Employment Creation Projects Underway on Bonavista Peninsula

As part of the Provincial Government’s commitment to help individuals affected by the temporary closure of the fish processing plant in Port Union, employment creation projects have begun on the Bonavista Peninsula.

“Our government committed to those affected by this temporary closure that we would support them with employment programs,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Fulfilling this commitment, employment creation projects began this week on the Bonavista Peninsula to help employees attain insurable hours in a timely fashion.”

Nine projects valued at over $580,000 have begun with approximately 75 Port Union plant workers participating. The projects occurring in Bonavista, Newman’s Cove, Elliston and Trinity Bay North include work such as fire hall and recreation centre upgrading and repairs, boardwalk upgrades and restoration of museum properties.

These projects are funded through the Community Enhancement Employment Program which provides funding to community-based organizations which sponsor and manage them. Eligible sponsors include towns, regional municipalities, local service districts, community and economic development organizations and other not-for-profit organizations. Individuals can be employed for up to 420 hours in order to become eligible for employment insurance benefits. Supplementing this, the operator of the Port Union plant has committed to fund an additional four weeks for employees with seniority.

“The opportunity for employees of the Port Union plant to work on these projects at this time is certainly welcomed and helps avoid the situation of individuals running out of income,” said the Honourable Roger Fitzgerald, MHA for Bonavista South. “While the circumstances resulting in this temporary closure are unfortunate, we have provided employees with meaningful work and the opportunity to receive increased insurable hours.”

These current programs on the Bonavista Peninsula began on August 8, 2011 and will continue throughout the year permitting individuals the opportunity to achieve their eligible insurable hours under this initiative.

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2011 08 12             11:50 a.m.