Five community infrastructure projects in the Towns of Lawn, St. Lawrence, Fortune, Garnish, and Frenchman's Cove are nearing completion. The projects were made possible by $74,862 in support from the Provincial Government under the Job Creation Partnership (JCP) program.

"Our government was proud to partner with municipalities, local service districts and not-for-profit groups on the Burin Peninsula to complete five very worthwhile projects that employed 19 individuals," said Minister Sullivan. "By working in partnership, we ensure that both the program participants and area residents benefit from these projects. Since the Provincial Government took control of the Job Creation Partnership program in November, we have been working 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 was pleased to provide the financial support required to ensure they are carried out successfully."

The JCP projects included the hiring of six individuals to complete exterior and interior repairs and enhancements to the Community Centre in Lawn; two individuals to complete beautification projects in Garnish; one individual to co-ordinate and implement the Tidy Town Program in St. Lawrence; four individuals to conduct repairs and renovations to the existing Royal Canadian Legion in Fortune; and, six individuals to build an extension to the Roman Catholic Church in Frenchman's Cove.

"I am pleased to see such valuable initiatives being completed through the Job Creation Partnership program on the Burin Peninsula," said the Honourable Darin King, MHA for Grand Bank. "These partnerships provide the financial resources groups need to give valuable work opportunities to local individuals while at the same time enhancing community infrastructure and local green spaces."

The total cost of the projects, including contributions made by the towns and other sources is $77,362.

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.