Committee announces provincial tour of Strategic Social Plan regions

The Social Policy Committee of Cabinet is planning working visits over the next several weeks to all six regions of the Strategic Social Plan (SSP), beginning January 23 in the Clarenville area

These visits will give social policy ministers a chance to meet members of the SSP regional steering committees, hear about their priorities, and learn about the kinds of work they are doing to implement the SSP.

Ministers will also visit sites in the regions that provide innovative social programs and exemplify the goals and values of the Strategic Social Plan, such as the Vista Family Resource Centre and Community Access Program in Musgravetown.

"We're looking forward to open, informative discussions with members of the steering committees. They have a wide range of expertise and know the issues in their regions very well," said Minister Judy Foote, chair of the Social Policy Committee. "Our meetings will certainly help guide our work as social policy ministers by providing insight into the SSP at a regional level, and highlighting creative ways to address social issues."

The Strategic Social Plan was launched in 1998 as a way to improve long term opportunities for people, and better coordinate delivery of local services. Committees work to implement the SSP in their regions through planning and consulting with partner agencies and the community, and fostering partnerships.

"I've been fortunate to meet with some of the SSP regional steering committees already," said Gerald Smith, lead minister for the Strategic Social Plan and Minister of Human Resources and Employment. "I really see the value in the collaborative, consultative approach to social development that the SSP encourages, so our discussion with committees is very important."

NOTE TO EDITORS: Media Opportunities:

The Cabinet committee will meet the Eastern Region Steering Committee at the Clarenville Inn, January 23. Time for interviews and photos is available at 3:30 p.m.

Thursday morning, January 24, ministers will visit the College of the North Atlantic (9:00 - 10:00 a.m.), and the Vista Family Resource Centre and Community Access Program at the Port Blanford-Winterbrook Rural Development Association in Musgravetown.(10:30 - 11:15 a.m.). Media opportunities are available at both locations.

Other interview times can be scheduled if the above times are not convenient.

Media contact: Marcia Porter, Communications (709) 729-0175.

2002 01 21                         10:10 a.m.