"Job Creation Partnership projects see community-based organizations, municipal governments and businesses partner with the Provincial Government to address local and regional priorities," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "Today's announcement will ensure that project sponsors have the necessary financial resources to hire individuals to undertake priorities in the Corner Brook region."

The three JCP projects are sponsored by the Provincial Government in partnership with the Corner Brook Stream Development Corporation, Community Mental Health Initiative and the Corner Brook Status of Women Council.

The Corner Brook Stream Development Corporation project will support 12 participants as they complete the redevelopment of Margaret Bowater Park and help with several initiatives relating to recreational infrastructure in Corner Brook; the Community Mental Health Initiative project provides for a co-ordinator to help develop a children's health festival and strengthen partnerships amongst mental health promotion committees and community networks in the Western region; and, the Corner Brook Status of Women Council utilized project funding to hire an individual to promote their 35th anniversary.

"I am very pleased to see these important Job Creation Partnership projects approved in Humber West," said the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and MHA for Humber West. "All three organizations make a positive contribution in this community. By partnering with the Provincial Government, each organization has the means to accomplish their goals, while producing employment opportunities for the individuals involved."

"Through these Job Creation Partnership projects important work will be completed by each participating organization, in the Corner Brook region," said Minister Marshall. "This is another example of our government's ongoing commitment to non-profit and community-oriented groups that focus on supporting local and regional priorities. In addition to providing valuable work experience, the projects will have long-term positive impacts on this community."

The Job Creation Partnership program sees community-based organizations, municipal governments and businesses partner with the Provincial Government to address local and regional 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.

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.