Municipal Affairs
August 20, 2012

Community Enhancement Employment Program Applications Available

The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs, today announced the Provincial Government is accepting applications from organizations interested in sponsoring projects funded under the Community Enhancement Employment Program (CEEP).

“Providing meaningful work to individuals in rural areas continues to be the focus of our government as we undertake another year of the Community Employment Enhancement Program,” said Minister O’Brien. “This program not only helps residents qualify for employment insurance benefits but it also provides significant and important enhancements to our communities. Last year 2,200 individuals participated in the 290 government-funded projects which included improvements to walking trails, municipal parks, heritage structures and tourism facilities, in addition to facilities and properties owned and operated by municipal governments and voluntary organizations.”

The CEEP provides funding to community-based organizations that sponsor and manage projects. Eligible sponsors include towns, Inuit community governments, 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.

“Community-minded organizations with ideas for projects they feel could benefit from this program are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of Municipal Affairs and learn more about this year’s opportunity,” said Minister O’Brien.

Further information and applications for the 2012 Community Enhancement Employment Program 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. The deadline for applications is September 14, 2012.

Budget 2012: People and Prosperity maintained a $4.5 million investment in the Community Enhancement Employment Program in a continued effort to support communities and residents throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Media contact:
Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 693-1865
tansymundon@gov.nl.ca

2012 08 20                                             3:50 p.m.