Eastern Region schedules town hall sessions

The Eastern Region of the Strategic Social Plan (SSP) is hosting a series of town hall meetings throughout the region, starting in late September.

Meetings are scheduled for 12 communities, beginning with Arnold�s Cove on September 24, and concluding in King�s Cove on October 17. The town halls will bring people together to talk about the kinds of challenges and opportunities that impact their community�s social and economic development.

"We want to hear their good ideas, build on local strengths, and look at creative ways to resolve issues," said Fay Matthews, chair of the Eastern Region Steering Committee. "These town halls will help us find the best way to use available resources to address community concerns."

The sessions are also aimed at identifying gaps in services and information that could foster individual/community development, seeking feedback about the committee�s work plan, identifying new partnerships, and enhancing community pride.

Baird Planning and Associates will facilitate the series of 12 town hall sessions, scheduled for:

September 24 - Arnold�s Cove
September 25 - Norman�s Cove
September 26 - Little Heart�s Ease
September 30 - Musgravetown
October 1 - Trinity
October 3 - Clarenville
October 7 - Marystown
October 8 - Lamaline
October 9 - Grand Bank
October 10 - Placentia West Development Association
October 16 - Bonavista
October 17 - King�s Cove

The Eastern Region Steering Committee is one of six SSP committees in Newfoundland and Labrador that works to implement the Strategic Social Plan across the province.

Steering committee members include regional boards of health, education and economic development, as well as representatives from the federal/provincial/municipal governments and other agency partners. They meet to discuss common issues that impact the well being of people in the region, consult with community leaders, and facilitate partnerships that can make a difference in the everyday lives of people.

For example, the Eastern Region Steering Committee has worked to further literacy, volunteerism and family resource initiatives.

"This is a great opportunity for people, and I urge them to take part in these sessions," said Gerald Smith, Minister of Health and Community Services and lead minister for the Strategic Social Plan. "The SSP is all about working together to resolve our challenges."

For more information on the town hall sessions, please contact Heather Gillingham at (709) 466 - 4034.

Media contact:

Colin Holloway, SSP regional planner, (709) 466 - 4031
Marcia Porter, Communications, (709) 729-0175

2002 09 12                                    12:55 p.m.