NLIS 8
May 27, 2003
(Executive Council)

 

Sir William Coaker to address Community Building Conference

It�s not everyday that you get to have breakfast with a revered (and sometimes reviled) historical figure.

But delegates at the Community Building on the Avalon Conference, June 5-8, will not only get to have coffee and muffins with Sir William Coaker, that important and controversial figure in Newfoundland history, they�ll hear what he has to say about community and economic development in 2003.

It�s a timely subject, and conference organizers hope some time spent with Sir William will stimulate the appetite for lively discussion, information sharing and debate.

The conference is sponsored by the Avalon Region of the Strategic Social Plan and the four regional economic development boards on the peninsula, with support from the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development, the Canada/Newfoundland Labour Market Development Agreement, and the Community Economic development Technical Assistance Program.

"We all have a role to play when it comes to community building," said Gerald Smith, Minister of Health and Community Services and lead minister for the Strategic Social Plan. "Community involvement is an important theme in the SSP."

"The Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development is pleased to support the community building conference and recognizes the important role that forums like this one play in the economic and social development of the province at the local level," said Judy Foote, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development. "By working together in partnership, we can help develop the capacity and capability within communities so that they can take control of and shape their own futures. This is vital if we are to continue to grow and diversify the economy of our province."

Community Building on the Avalon features dynamic speakers, informative workshops and small group discussions on everything from building leadership and capacity, and exploring ways to involve young people in communities, to accessing resources and capital to strategic planning.

Organizers are also setting up work crews to tackle thorny issues identified last year during public consultations held by the Avalon Region Steering Committee of the SSP. Issues up for discussion include seniors care, out-migration, environmental protection and job creation.

Bringing people from social and economic development backgrounds together in a conference that explores community building from a broad perspective was a key recommendation from last year�s consultations.

But it�s not all serious. With well-known comedian Pete Soucy featured as a key note speaker, and entertainment from Rebel Theater Productions, conference delegates are bound to have fun.

"We are really looking forward to the conference," said Gerri Thompson, chair of the Avalon Region Steering Committee for the SSP. "We do face challenges as we work together to build and sustain strong viable communities, but we are optimistic. We have so much talent here, and we need to work together across social and economic sectors to reach our goals. That�s what people want us to do."

Community Building on the Avalon takes place at Memorial University, June 5-8. For more information on the conference, call Joanne Cag at (709) 729-1517. You can find out more about the conference agenda and obtain registration forms at www.aroundthebay.ca

Media contact:

Joanne Cag, Conference organizer, (709) 729-1517
Marcia Porter, Communications, (709) 729-0175
Tansy Mundon, Industry, Trade and Rural Development, (709) 729-4570

2003 05 27                                      4:05 p.m.


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