Newfoundland and Labrador was represented this week at a Gathering of Counterparts in Calgary, Alberta. The event, which took place February 6-7, highlighted the relationship provincial governments have with the voluntary and non-profit sector, also known as the third sector. The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for the Volunteer and Non-Profit Sector, and Penelope Rowe, CEO of Community Services Council Newfoundland and Labrador, represented this province.

"Our government is committed to improve its relationship with the sector, identify opportunities for co-operation and collaboration and celebrate the tremendous work of community volunteers," said Minister Hedderson. "We also recognize the potential of the social economy to enhance the quality of life for this province. A gathering like this only helps us as we look towards the future of the relationship between the public and third sector."

A number of groups made presentations to highlight their background, significant events, milestones, and how they are moving forward with their relationship between the public and third sector. The presentation for this province was done by Minister Hedderson in collaboration with Ms. Rowe. Together they gave the attendees an overview of the relationship the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has with the third sector and the steps that will need to be taken to strengthen and nurture this relationship.

A background of where the relationship between the two sectors has evolved from and an overview of the provincial environment were featured, which gave the audience insight into this province to help them appreciate Newfoundland and Labrador�s unique situation. With 187,000 volunteers, over 4,000 organizations and 21,000 employed by the sector, there is a substantial presence of volunteers and organizations contributing to this province.

Minister Hedderson also discussed the Provincial Government�s commitment to the voluntary and non-profit sector as stated in the 2007 Blue Print and Throne Speech from 2005. The current relationship and initiatives being developed with the third sector and the steps that are being taken to ensure a successful future were also shared. This gave Newfoundland and Labrador an opportunity to compare and discuss this province�s situation with the representatives from the nine provinces and territories also attending.

"There has been increasing interest across the country to forge stronger links between governments and the voluntary and non-profit sector. This meeting is the first ever gathering of officials from different provinces with representatives from organizations whose work focuses on policy and capacity issues for the voluntary sector," said Ms. Rowe. "It was an exciting opportunity to explore emerging approaches in different jurisdictions and the Community Services Council, as one of the organizations responsible for planning this event, was delighted to see such strong participation from across the country. It provided a wonderful learning opportunity for us in Newfoundland and Labrador as we embark on developing stronger linkages between government and the voluntary sector."

A number of groups and organizations made this event possible, some being the Canadian Federation of Voluntary Sector Networks, the Alberta Non-Profit and Voluntary Sector Initiative, the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations, the Muttart Foundation, and the Wellesley Institute.

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Media contact:
Lesley Clarke
Communications Specialist
Intergovernmental Affairs
709-729-6026, 699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca