The Provincial Government is accepting applications from organizations interested in sponsoring projects funded under the Community Enhancement Employment Program (CEEP). The Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced today that the application deadline for this year's program is July 30, 2010.

"The Community Enhancement Employment Program continues to support individuals requiring short-term employment and who require work to qualify for employment insurance," said Minister Whalen. "In 2009, this program funded a total of 298 projects in rural communities throughout the province, of which approximately 80 per cent supported work on municipal facilities, buildings owned by voluntary groups and projects which targeted heritage buildings or tourist-related facilities. We will continue to work with project sponsors to ensure that projects have lasting benefit to communities, and encourage proposals which will provide positive employment opportunities for participants. As many projects operate during the fall and winter, proposals supporting projects that may involve indoor work are particularly encouraged."

The $4.5 million Community Enhancement Employment Program provides funding to established community-based organizations to sponsor and manage employment projects. Examples of eligible sponsors include towns, regional municipalities, Inuit community governments, local service districts, community and economic development organizations, and other not-for-profit organizations such as women's organizations and heritage groups.

Workers can be employed for up to 420 hours in order to become eligible for employment insurance benefits. Last year, qualifying projects included work to benefit municipally-owned facilities, which included improvements to fire halls, community centers, and recreation facilities. Additionally, projects with a focus on restoring or developing tourism and heritage related facilities encompassed 28 per cent of projects funded through the program.

Applications, a guide for completing an application, and program administration guidelines can be found at www.gov.nl.ca//ma/emp_support/ceep.html or may be obtained by calling the Department of Municipal Affairs at 1-866-508-5500.