Advanced Education and Skills
December 23, 2013

Enhancing Work Skills for a Stronger Economy

$6.7 Million Helps Increase Work Skills through Job Creation

The second and final round of Job Creation Partnerships applications for 2013-14 has been completed with 199 projects approved for total funding of $6,751,763. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is helping an estimated 900 individuals throughout 129 communities gain valuable work experience and utilize their new skills to support projects that build provincial prosperity.

“As we work to develop the workforce necessary to meet growing labour demands, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is partnering with municipalities and organizations to undertake important projects across a variety of sectors, including tourism, culture and heritage, sports and recreation, marketing and economic development.”
- The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills

Examples of recently approved projects include:

• $35,000 to the Hant’s Harbour Recreation Committee to provide necessary upgrades to the existing soccer field, construct an extension to the existing recreation building kitchen area, install shingles and siding to the existing bandstand/stage and complete landscaping to this area.
• $25,000 to the Sir William Ford Coaker Heritage Foundation in Port Union to stabilize and refurbish the Tulk House in Port Union, including replacing floor board, stabilize the floor, replace sheathing and install new door boxes, etc.
• $33,867 to the Town of Bird Cove for the Going Healthy Program to secure funding to hire a coordinator and four assistants. The ongoing program has increased activities to include exercise programs, seniors night, special needs day, kids day, vegetable garden, composting, lifestyle clinics.

“The Job Creation Partnerships program continues to provide individuals with work experience to help them secure long-term meaningful employment. At a time when education is accessible and affordable like never before and demand for employment is growing, this program continues to provide participants with work experience and skills needed to contribute to Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing prosperity.”
- Minister O’Brien

Job Creation Partnerships program funding is provided through direct contributions to sponsors or through the extension of Employment Insurance benefits for project participants and may include in-kind or in-cash contributions from sponsors. Approvals of projects are based on considerations such as the number of EI eligible individuals in the application area, the value of the work experience for participants, and labour market information.

For a full list of project approvals for 2013-14 visit www.aes.gov.nl.ca/lmda/jcp.html.

The Provincial Government remains focused on the province’s long-term prosperity by encouraging job creation, strong communities, a vibrant economy and natural resource development that is of maximum benefit to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

QUICK FACTS

• The second round of Job Creation Partnership applications for 2013-14 has been completed with 199 projects approved for total funding of $6,751,763.
• Since November 2009, when the Provincial Government took over Labour Market Development Agreement programs from the Federal Government which included the Job Creation Partnerships program, it has delivered approximately 1,200 projects with a total value of nearly $45 million, providing employment for over 4,800 individuals.
• Today, more Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are working than ever. Fewer Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are on Income Support than ever before. Today, the percentage of the population receiving Income Support is at an historic low (approximately seven per cent), a trend that is expected to continue.

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Media contact:
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Advanced Education and Skills
709-729-0753, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

2013 12 23                                        12:20 p.m.