Job Creation Partnership Projects Approved for Exploits

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will support two Job Creation Partnership projects employing five individuals in the Exploits area through a maximum investment of up to $62,843.

This funding, which totals $73,143, will be used to hire an operational co-ordinator to develop operational policies and manuals for the Town of Bishop's Falls, as well as four individuals to carry out building renovations to the Botwood Lion's Club.

"Not only will five individuals gain valuable work experience through these projects, but residents of Bishop's Falls, Botwood and surrounding areas will benefit from the outcomes of these initiatives," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "Our priority now is to review all the programs and services, including the Job Creation Partnership program, which recently became the responsibility of the Provincial Government. Our goal is to identify 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."

Through Job Creation Partnerships, non-profit community-based organizations, municipal governments and businesses partner with the Provincial Government to address local priority needs. 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.

"These projects will add great value to our communities, both in terms of employment opportunities and long-term, tangible benefits," said Exploits MHA Clayton Forsey. "It is great to see the Town of Bishop's Falls, the Botwood Lion's Club and the area's residents avail of this partnership program."

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 

- 30 -

Media contacts:

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 23                                                  9:55 a.m.