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Human Resources, Labour and Employment
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
April 22, 2010

Job Creation Partnership Approved for Labrador Straits

The winter trail system in the Labrador Straits will receive a boost through the Job Creation Partnership program. Through a $52,211 maximum investment from the Provincial Government, three individuals will gain valuable work experience with the Basque Whaler's Snowmobile Club.

Through this initiative, these individuals will be hired to complete maintenance of the winter trails system in the Labrador Straits, build an emergency warm-up cabin on the trail, and carry out promotional and safe-snowmobiling activities.

"Through the Job Creation Partnership program, not only will three individuals gain work experience, but residents of the area will benefit from the work being performed," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "Since the Provincial Government took control of the Job Creation Partnership program from the Federal Government in November, we have been working towards identifying ways to improve and expedite the delivery of these programs, while ensuring that they are tailored to more accurately respond to local, regional and provincial needs."

Non-profit community-based organizations, municipal governments and businesses partner with the Provincial Government to address local priority needs through the Job Creation Partnership program. Examples of potential partnership initiatives include maintenance and repairs to community infrastructure, such as town halls and churches; the beautification of public areas; and the staffing of businesses or organizations. In addition to in-kind or in-cash contributions from sponsors, Job Creation Partnership program funding is provided through direct contributions to sponsors or through the extension of Employment Insurance benefits for project participants.

"The winter trail system remains an important piece of transportation infrastructure for Labrador communities," said the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs. "Through this investment, individuals will gain valuable employment experience as they are tasked with work that includes necessary maintenance and enhancements to the winter trails and promoting safe snowmobiling practices."

On November 2, 2009, responsibility for Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA) programs and services, including the Job Creation Partnership program, transferred from the Federal Government to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Since that time, 118 priority projects have been approved across the province creating employment opportunities for more than 500 people. The total investment in these projects is approximately $7.5 million. This figure includes $2 million being invested directly by other Provincial Government departments, municipalities, project sponsors and non-profit groups.

For more information on the Labour Market Development Agreement, including Job Creation Partnerships, please visit: www.gov.nl.ca/hrle/lmda

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Media contacts:

Jennifer Collingwood
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-0753, 690-2498
jennifercollingwood@gov.nl.ca
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
709-729-1674, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER
Labour Market Development Agreement

Labour Market Development Agreements (LMDAs) are bilateral agreements between the Federal Government and the Provincial/Territorial Governments that provide funding focused on helping EI-eligible persons increase their opportunities within the labour market.

LMDAs were established in 1996 and many jurisdictions at the time chose to sign an agreement with the Government of Canada that transferred LMDA responsibility to the province. Under such an agreement, provinces and territories assume responsibility for the design, delivery and management of the programs and services.

Newfoundland and Labrador, along with a number of other jurisdictions, chose the co-managed model where the Federal Government delivered the programs and services but shared responsibility for the design, management and evaluation of these programs with provinces and territories. Since 1996, LMDA programs and services have been delivered in this province through Service Canada offices.

On September 5, 2008, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador signed a devolved LMDA with the Government of Canada. Under the devolved LMDA, the Provincial Government assumes responsibility for the design and delivery of approximately $133 million annually in EI-funded Employment Benefits and Support Measures, effective November 2, 2009.

For the next two years, all provinces and territories will receive additional LMDA funding under the Federal Government's stimulus package, which was released in the last federal budget. Newfoundland and Labrador's share of this funding is an additional $14.7 million per year.

2010 04 22                  10:15 a.m.
 


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