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NLIS 1 July 22, 2003 (Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education) Funding announced for Central Newfoundland Post-Secondary Education Study Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Newfoundland and Labrador�s representative in the federal cabinet, and Anna Thistle, Minister of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education, announced today $73,860 in funding for the Central Newfoundland University Committee (CNUC) to undertake a feasibility study of the need for further post-secondary education programs in the Central Newfoundland region. "Education is the engine that drives economic growth, social well-being and individual prosperity," said Minister Byrne. "Many people in Newfoundland and Labrador recognize this value and seek post-secondary education. This initiative will enable the CNUC to do a thorough needs assessment of post-secondary education in the Central Newfoundland area." The study will include an assessment of the educational, social, cultural and developmental needs of the region. It will also include a needs assessment of current and future demand and the capacity for courses, and develop a series of strategies and actions designed to meet the needs identified. "There has been considerable discussion over the years regarding the need for the expansion of post-secondary education in Central Newfoundland," said Minister Thistle. "To date there has not been any hard evidence to support it. I firmly believe that a comprehensive and reliable study is necessary in order to provide objective information." The research project should be completed within the next several months. Of the total financial commitment of $73,860, ACOA is providing $52,500 through its Business Development Program. Non-commercial investments through this program support the promotion of entrepreneurship, trade, marketing and education through industry, community, youth and business associations. The remainder of the funding, $21,360, is being provided under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA), a partnership between Human Resources Development Canada and the Department of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education. Labour Market Partnerships encourage communities to take greater responsibility for creating local employment by actively involving community partners. Partners include employers; employees or their associations; provincial, territorial, and municipal governments; non-governmental organizations (NGOs); health and educational institutions; band and tribal councils; and individuals and groups, among others. For more information, please contact: Olivia Letemplier Doug Burgess Kathy Dicks-Peyton 2003 07 22 10:00 a.m. |
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