Job Creation Partnerships to Support Economic Development
in Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune

Through a maximum investment of up to $141,033, the Provincial Government will support six Job Creation Partnership projects in the district of Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune. These projects will provide employment to six individuals and support the economic development of the area.

Totalling $181,651, these projects will result in the hiring of six individuals for the roles of marketing co-ordinator for Coast of Bays Cardio Fit; Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) coordinator to develop an ICSP for the Town of Harbour Breton; accountability program administrator with the Town of Harbour Breton; program development officer for the Town of Pools Cove; and event planner for the Newfoundland and Labrador Aquaculture Industry Association. An individual will also gain valuable work experience with the Town of Hermitage-Sandyville.

"These projects in Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune will benefit both program participants and area residents," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "I applaud these project sponsors for pursuing opportunities under the Job Creation Partnership program. Since taking over responsibility for this and other employment supports from the Federal Government in November, we have been working to identify ways to improve and expedite their delivery, 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.

"I am extremely pleased that the Provincial Government has provided funding for these initiatives," said Tracey Perry, MHA for Fortune Bay - Cape la Hune. "All of these projects provide important opportunities for ensuring the long-term sustainability of our rural communities and provide an excellent way of including local residents in the actual planning for the environmental, cultural, social, and economic viability of the region."

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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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 05 18                                                11:40 a.m.