The Provincial Government today highlighted the approval of three projects in the Towns of Carbonear and Harbour Grace where 12 individuals are gaining meaningful employment. The projects are made possible through an investment of $100,078 under the Job Creation Partnership (JCP) program.

The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, and the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, MHA for Carbonear-Harbour Grace, highlighted the ongoing projects today at St. Paul's Anglican Parish Church in Harbour Grace.

"Job Creation Partnership projects benefit both the program participants and area residents," said Minister Sullivan. "Since the Provincial Government took control of this program in November, we have been working diligently towards identifying ways to improve and expedite the delivery of the program, while ensuring it is tailored to more accurately respond to local, regional and provincial needs. These projects are fine examples of how sponsors have identified worthwhile initiatives and the Provincial Government is pleased to provide the financial support required to ensure they are carried out successfully."

The JCP projects included the hiring of four individuals to complete an archaeological survey of Carbonear Island; six individuals to complete the restoration of the historic railway station; and, two individuals to preserve and catalogue items of historical significance in the Town of Harbour Grace. The total cost of these projects, including contributions made by the towns and other sources is $222,952.

"I am pleased to see such worthwhile projects being completed through the Job Creation Partnership program," said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, MHA for Carbonear-Harbour Grace. "By partnering with our government, these sponsors are providing valuable work opportunities for individuals while helping to preserve local heritage and enhance infrastructure.

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.

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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.