The Provincial Government is now accepting
applications for funding under the Community Enhancement Employment
Program. The Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs,
announced today that the application deadline for this year�s program is
July 31, 2009.
The $4.5 million Community Enhancement Employment
Program is a provincially-funded, targeted employment program that
creates short-term employment for eligible participants. Employment is
provided through projects that provide a long-term benefit to
communities. These projects contribute to tourism development, economic
development, community/municipal infrastructure, and community services.
Organizations which sponsor projects are encouraged to include in their
applications an indication of the skills development opportunities their
proposal will offer workers.
"The Community Enhancement Employment Program supports
many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in rural areas who require
employment assistance, and is an important effort to support individuals
who have challenges with seasonal employment and require additional
support for a short amount of time," said Minister Whalen.
The program funds established community-based
organizations to sponsor and manage employment projects. Examples of
eligible sponsors include towns, regional municipalities, Inuit
community governments, local service districts, community and economic
development organizations, and other not-for-profit organizations such
as women�s institutes and heritage groups. Examples of eligible projects
include those related to municipal infrastructure, tourism initiatives,
community health and wellness programs, facilitating the active
participation of seniors in communities, cultural or natural heritage,
arts and crafts development, restoration of heritage sites,
environmental improvements, aquaculture infrastructure, agrifoods
infrastructure and other labour-intensive initiatives.
"We remain committed to working with individuals who
require employment, and supporting projects which will contribute to
economic development and provide a lasting benefit to communities," said
Minister Whalen. "It is important to strike a balance by contributing to
initiatives which provide meaningful work and support the strengthening
of services or structures for our communities."
Applications, a guide for completing an application,
and program administration guidelines can be found at
www.gov.nl.ca/ma/cep/ or may be obtained by calling the Department of
Municipal Affairs at 1-866-508-5500.