The Provincial Government will support six projects employing 20 individuals in the Port au Port region through a maximum investment of up to $169,900 under the Job Creation Partnership (JCP) program. The projects are sponsored by the Port au Port Economic Development Association, the Sheaves Cove Beautification Committee, Stephenville Lion's Club, St. Ann's Chapel, the Town of Lourdes and the Town of Port au Port East.

"These projects are examples of our government's ongoing commitment to non-profit and community-oriented groups, and organizations that focus on supporting local and regional needs," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "Not only will 20 individuals gain valuable work experience through these six projects, but residents of Port au Port region will benefit from the outcomes of these initiatives."

The JCP funding will result in the hiring of one individual to assist at the municipal office in the Town of Lourdes; four participants will assist in the creation of a community market and garden in Stephenville through the Lion's Club; three individuals will assist the Port au Port Economic Development Association with the enhancement of the Piccadilly Head Regional Park; five individuals will assist the Local Service District of Sheaves Cove as they make improvements to the community centre building; one individual will complete policy research and development for the Town of Port au Port East's website; and six individuals will assist the St. Ann's Chapel in Mainland to provide energy efficiency and enhanced safety for parish visitors.

"I am very pleased to see these important Job Creation Partnership projects approved within the region," said the Tony Cornect, MHA for Port au Port. "These initiatives will help individuals return to the labour market, and because they are developed through various partnerships, they will prove worthwhile to the long-term sustainability of the communities involved."

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 (LMDA) 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. 

- 30 -

Media contacts:

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.