Three Job Creation Partnership programs in the Lake Melville region, made possible by a Provincial Government investment of $72,189, will help participants increase work experience, enhance job skills, and strengthen community infrastructure and development. The total project cost, including contributions from project sponsors, is $118,129.

"These projects are examples of our government's ongoing commitment to non-profit and community-oriented groups, organizations that focus on supporting local and regional needs," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "This funding not only helps stimulate economic activity, it promotes health awareness, provides visitors with a clearer sense of this region's rich history, and helps an important national fundraising organization continue its mandate."

Under the first project, sponsored by the Food Security Network of Newfoundland and Labrador, one individual will gain valuable work experience in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, through the promotion of a comprehensive, community-based solution to promote health and food security. As a co-ordinator, the participant will recruit new members to the Regional Food Security Working Group, complete an environmental scan of the region, and network with a multitude of organizations to help raise awareness of food security throughout the province.

The second project, sponsored by the Labrador Heritage Society, and located in North West River, will support two participants in a skills enhancement opportunity, as they complete renovations to the Labrador Heritage Museum and adjacent heritage buildings. Improvements to the buildings include insulating, installing gyproc, finishing floors, and completing entrance improvements.

The final project is sponsored by the Canadian Cancer Society Newfoundland and Labrador division, and will be located in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. One individual will work as the organization's community development assistant to help with program service delivery, fundraising, and administration and data entry. Along with gaining valuable work experience and strengthening skills in planning and co-ordination, the participant will help the society provide a variety of practical and emotional support services to cancer patients and their families.

"I am very pleased to see these important Job Creation Partnership projects approved within the Lake Melville region," said the Honourable John Hickey, Lake Melville MHA. "These initiatives will help individuals return to the labour market, boost the heritage experience for visitors, and support two organizations that are focused on the long-term health of our citizens."

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.

On November 2, 2009, responsibility for Labour Market Development Agreement 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 302 priority projects have been approved across the province creating employment opportunities for more than 1,431 people. The total Provincial Government investment in these projects is approximately $14.7 million, with the total project value being approximately $21.5 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.