Two churches of historical significance in the Carbonear-Harbour Grace region will undergo restorations and repairs as a result of a total Provincial Government investment of $71,199 under the Job Creation Partnership (JCP) program.

"These infrastructure projects will result in direct job creation, stimulate local economic activity, and provide visitors with a clearer sense of this region's rich history," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "They are also examples of our government's ongoing commitment to non-profit and community-oriented groups, organizations that focus on supporting local and regional needs."

Under the first project, sponsored by the Project Restoration Dalton Council Committee, 10 individuals in Harbour Grace will gain valuable work experience as they make repairs to the Church of the Immaculate Conception — a building that was designated a Provincial Historic Site in 1991. Stonemasons, laborers, and helpers will assist in the completion of four stone buttresses, entrance repairs, improvement to the eaves and roof, and inside carpentry work to the choir area.

The second project, sponsored by the Anglican Parish of Harbour Grace, and located at St. Paul's Church in Harbour Grace, will support nine participants with a similar work experience and skills enhancement opportunity, as they complete restoration on the stone structure built over 175 years ago. Improvements to the building include the replacement of stone, installation of tower steps and flooring, repairs to church pews, and the replacement of windows and screens.

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

"I am very pleased to see these important Job Creation Partnership projects approved within the Carbonear-Harbour Grace area," said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Carbonear-Harbour Grace MHA. "These initiatives will preserve our important heritage and church history, help individuals return to the labour market, and boost the visitor experience for our 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, over 265 priority projects have been approved across the province creating employment opportunities for more than 1280 people. The total Provincial Government investment in these projects is approximately $13.5 million, with the total project value being approximately $20 million.

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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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.