NLIS 28
March 21, 2005
(Innovation, Trade and Rural Development)
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)
Budget 2005 provides
more than $9 million for community, regional and sectorial
development
Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of
Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and Minister responsible for
the Rural Secretariat, and Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal and
Provincial Affairs, today announced Budget 2005 initiatives that
will enhance regional and rural diversification and generate
employment opportunities for rural regions of the province.
Regional/Sectorial Diversification Fund
"In Budget 2005, government has established a $5 million Regional/Sectorial
Diversification Fund," said Minister Dunderdale. "The fund will
address the present funding gaps of sector organizations, economic
development groups and community-based organizations involved in
economic development."
Through the Regional/Sectorial Diversification Fund, government will
provide contributions for economic development initiatives that
address regional and sectorial development, diversification and
innovation. Funding will be allocated based upon criteria such as
the project�s ability to access funding from other sources and
whether the project has economic development benefits for the
region. The aim is to contribute to long-term sustainable employment
and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in the region.
Details on program criteria will be released in the coming weeks.
Community Enhancement Program
Budget 2005 also provides $4.25 million to the Community Enhancement
Program. Designed to help low-income residents, this program will
highlight employment projects which have an economic development or
community infrastructure objective. This program will be directed
towards rural Newfoundland and Labrador.
"The Community Enhancement Program will offer employment
opportunities which will provide long-term sustainable benefits to
communities, thereby making them stronger," said Minister Byrne.
"This program recognizes the commitment that our rural residents
made and, in turn, the help they need now to survive."
Rural Secretariat
Government recently announced the structure of the Rural Secretariat
that will work with local and regional partners to build strong and
dynamic communities. It will comprise nine regional councils and one
provincial council which will act as advisory bodies to government,
providing guidance on rural and regional issues in all parts of the
province.
"This government recognizes the importance of rural Newfoundland and
Labrador to the economic growth of our province," said Minister
Dunderdale. "The Regional/Sectorial Diversification Fund, the
Community Enhancement Program and the Rural Secretariat build on the
strengths of all regions of the province to enhance regional
economic and social development."
Media contact:
Lynn Evans, Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, (709) 729-4570,
690-6290
Vanessa Colman-Sadd, Municipal and Provincial Affairs, (709)
729-1983, 682-6593
2005 03 21
3:30 p.m. |