The Provincial Government has supported five projects in the District of Ferryland employing 26 individuals on the Southern Shore Region of the Avalon Peninsula since April. These projects are made possible through a maximum investment of up to $244,031 under the Job Creation Partnership (JCP) program.

"Job Creation Partnership projects are an important example of how our government supports municipalities, non-profit and community-oriented groups that wish to undertake projects that focus on supporting local and regional needs," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "Each project not only helps stimulate economic activity, but also provides essential support to promote tourism, provides people with a clear sense of the area's history and heritage, and helps important community and church organizations to make renovations and upgrades to existing infrastructure."

The JCP funding provided for the hiring of an assistant museum supervisor with the Ferryland Historical Society; nine individuals to support the Holy Trinity Restoration Foundation in renovating and restoring the Holy Trinity Church in Ferryland; and, four displaced workers from Weathershore Windows in Trepassey will provide assistance to the Southern Avalon Development Association in compiling statistics on the Chance Cove Park area and completing repairs to the local softball field.

The funding also assisted local municipalities and committees with the preparation of the Cape Broyle Come Home Year celebrations, the Port Kirwan Come Home Year celebrations, Trepassey Days and the Trepassey Come Home Year Festival.

"Not only are these projects essential to the region as a whole, they are providing jobs for 21 individuals whose work will support local tourism efforts as well as the continued preservation of the province's culture and heritage," said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "As a Provincial Government, we understand the significance of these sectors and the important economic benefit they provide to residents in communities throughout the province."

"Each partnering organization has undertaken projects that provided a valuable contribution to the Southern Shore region, and their work continues to promote the region as a premier tourist destination," said Keith Hutchings, MHA for Ferryland. "Individuals who participate in the Job Creation Partnership projects have gained valuable work experience through organizing and preparing for one of the many Come Home Year celebrations on the Southern Shore, through renovating and restoring the stone-structured Holy Trinity Church in Ferryland, or by providing support for the operation of a community museum. The Southern Shore receives thousands of visitors each year; these partnerships enhance the experience for our visitors tremendously."

Through Job Creation Partnerships, non-profit community-based organizations and municipal governments 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 not-for-profit 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.

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.

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.