NLIS 2
May 9, 2006
(Health and Community Services)

New Provincial Drug Program office to be based in Stephenville;
creation of up to 15 new jobs

Health and Community Services Minister Tom Osborne, along with Joan Burke, MHA for St. George�s - Stephenville East, and Jim Hodder, MHA for Port au Port, today announced that in response to government�s planned expansion to the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program (NLPDP), it will open a new office in Stephenville to respond to the increased service demands associated with the program. The new office, which will be responsible for the assessment and processing of applications related to the NLPDP expansion, will result in the creation of up to 15 new jobs in Stephenville.

�Government is committed to making strategic health care investments where there is a demonstrated need.  Through expansions to the NLPDP, upwards of an additional 100,000 individuals will qualify, meaning that almost 40 per cent of the population will receive some degree of provincially-funded drug coverage,� said Minister Osborne.  �This new office will respond to the increased service demand, while providing meaningful employment in Stephenville.�

Recruitment efforts will begin in the next two months, with all positions expected to be hired by late 2006.  A site for the new office in Stephenville has not been determined, but the office is expected to open early in 2007, at which time the expanded program will be operational.

�We certainly welcome all opportunities for employment and growth in the area,� said Joan Burke, MHA for St. George�s - Stephenville East. �I am very pleased that the new office, with 15 positions, will be located in Stephenville and we will continue to work toward a prosperous and thriving future.�

Jim Hodder, MHA for Port au Port, said today�s announcement is positive news for people of the Port au Port district.  �The placement of a new Provincial Drug Program office in Stephenville, and the associated new employment opportunities, will provide an economic boost for Port au Port/Stephenville West region. I am very pleased with the progress that is being made, and with the commitment of Premier Danny Williams to the area.�

Government recently announced that it will invest $32.8 million annually to expand the eligibility of the current Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program to include more low income families and individuals. The eligibility threshold for the program will extend to families with children with annual household incomes up to $30,000, to couples earning up to $21,000, and to singles earning up to $19,000. The program will also include a co-payment ranging from 20 to 70 per cent. This marks the first expansion of the program since 1980 and will provide prescription drug coverage to approximately 97,000 additional people.

Planning is underway for expansion to the NLPDP.  The Department of Health and Community Services has hired a project manager to oversee the implementation process, and over this fiscal year, government will be developing the design and delivery of the expanded program.  Government will announce further details with respect to the application process in September/October, once program details are finalized.

Today�s announcement complements work of the Bay St. George Task Force in identifying economic opportunity in the region. The task force was established to assist the economic development and recovery of the Bay St. George region following Abitibi Consolidated�s shutdown of its Stephenville mill operations. The focus of the task force is to build on the strengths of the region, as well as build upon the successes of local businesses in the area.

Media contact:  Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-1377, 685-1741, tansymundon@gov.nl.ca

2006 05 09                                                        12:10 p.m.