Applications Available for Community Enhancement Employment Program

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

“The Provincial Government sees the value in providing meaningful work to individuals in rural areas, and the Community Employment Enhancement Program is central to this effort,” said Minister O’Brien. “This program provides significant and important enhancements to our communities and also assists residents in qualifying for employment insurance benefits. In 2012, 1,460 individuals participated in the 240 government-funded projects across the province.”

The Community Enhancement Employment Program 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 non-profit organizations. Individuals can be employed for up to 400 hours in order to become eligible for employment insurance benefits.

“We saw a number of important projects completed under the program last year including 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,” said Minister O’Brien. “Community-minded organizations with ideas for projects which they feel could benefit from this funding are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of Municipal Affairs to learn more about this year’s program.”

Further information and applications for the 2013 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 July 31, 2013.

Budget 2013: A Strong Plan, A Secure Future provides a $5.7 million investment in the Community Enhancement Employment Program to support communities and residents throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Media contact:
Hugh Donnan
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 725-6511
hughdonnan@gov.nl.ca

2013 06 11                          10:15 a.m.