NLIS 3
January 27, 2003
(Executive Council)

 

New chair for Central Region Steering Committee

A long-time steering committee member and active community volunteer is the new chair of the Central Region Steering Committee of the Strategic Social Plan (SSP).

Des Dillon of Health and Community Services Central Region takes over from former chair Walwin Blackmore, who is stepping down after three years in the position. Mr. Dillion is an active community volunteer and has most recently served as president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Health Boards Association. Linda Brett of the Emerald Zone Corporation was appointed vice-chair of the steering committee.

"I certainly congratulate Mr. Dillon on his appointment," said Gerald Smith, lead minister for the Strategic Social Plan and Minister of Health and Community Services. "I have met with SSP steering committees across the province and have constantly been impressed by their dedication and commitment to their regions."

"We know that we must work together to tackle our challenges and come up with creative and more effective long-term solutions," said Mr. Dillon. "This year we continue to focus on our development priorities, which include early childhood, youth, building community capacity and research."

The Central Region Steering Committee was created in 1999, the first of six created across the province to implement the Strategic Social Plan at a regional level. Members of the committee include regional boards of health, education (including post-secondary) and economic development, as well as representatives of federal, provincial and municipal governments and other agency partners. They come together to encourage and build partnerships that address regional needs, involve communities in the SSP and help promote community growth and well-being, improve coordination of local services and foster better links between social and economic development.

The Central Region Steering Committee has a number of initiatives underway, including ones that focus on the recruitment and retention of professionals to the region, coordinating services to young children and families and providing training and development opportunities for community volunteers.

Media contact:
          Marcia Porter, Communications, (709) 729-0175
           Heather Hillier, Regional Planner, (709) 535-0901

2003 01 27                                        11:55 a.m.


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