Human Resources, Labour and Employment
April 27, 2010
Job Creation Partnership Approved for Ferryland
The Ferryland arts scene will receive a significant boost in the form
of a maximum investment of up to $113,124 from the Provincial Government
through the Job Creation Partnership program.
The sponsor for this project, which totals $150,559, is the Southern
Shore Folk Arts Council. Through this initiative, five individuals will
be hired to continue the restoration of the Regional Arts Centre in
Ferryland.
"Through the Job Creation Partnership program, important work will be
undertaken that will result in the restoration of the Regional Arts
Centre in Ferryland," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of
Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "I commend the Southern Shore
Folk Arts Council for pursuing this opportunity under this employment
program, formerly under the direction of the Federal Government. Now
that the province has control of this and other employment programs and
services, our priority is to identify ways to improve and expedite their
delivery, while ensuring that they are tailored to more accurately
respond to local, regional and provincial needs."
Non-profit community-based organizations, municipal governments and
businesses partner with the Provincial Government to address local
priority needs through the Job Creation Partnership program. Examples of
potential partnership initiatives include maintenance and repairs to
community infrastructure, such as town halls and churches; the
beautification of public areas; and the staffing of businesses or
organizations. In addition to in-kind or in-cash contributions from
sponsors, Job Creation Partnership program funding is provided through
direct contributions to sponsors or through the extension of Employment
Insurance benefits for project participants.
"The investment through the Job Creation Partnership program will
continue the work of renovating the Regional Arts Center and ensuring it
remains a central hub for the celebration of the rich music, folklore
and theatre of the Southern Shore," said Keith Hutchings, MHA for
Ferryland. "Through the work of the Folk Arts Council, this building
will continue to support a range of annual activities that entice many
visitors, including from our tourism sector, to come and share in our
heritage while providing economic stimulus to the area."
On November 2, 2009, responsibility for Labour Market Development
Agreement (LMDA) programs and services, including the Job Creation
Partnership program, transferred from the Federal Government to the
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Since that time, 118 priority
projects have been approved across the province creating employment
opportunities for more than 500 people. The total investment in these
projects is approximately $7.5 million. This figure includes $2 million
being invested directly by other Provincial Government departments,
municipalities, project sponsors and non-profit groups.
For more information on the Labour Market Development Agreement,
including Job Creation Partnerships, please visit:
www.gov.nl.ca/hrle/lmda
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Media contacts:
BACKGROUNDER
Labour Market Development Agreement
Labour Market Development Agreements (LMDAs) are bilateral agreements
between the Federal Government and the Provincial/Territorial
Governments that provide funding focused on helping EI-eligible persons
increase their opportunities within the labour market.
LMDAs were established in 1996 and many jurisdictions at the time
chose to sign an agreement with the Government of Canada that
transferred LMDA responsibility to the province. Under such an
agreement, provinces and territories assume responsibility for the
design, delivery and management of the programs and services.
Newfoundland and Labrador, along with a number of other
jurisdictions, chose the co-managed model where the Federal Government
delivered the programs and services but shared responsibility for the
design, management and evaluation of these programs with provinces and
territories. Since 1996, LMDA programs and services have been delivered
in this province through Service Canada offices.
On September 5, 2008, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
signed a devolved LMDA with the Government of Canada. Under the devolved
LMDA, the Provincial Government assumed responsibility for the design
and delivery of approximately $133 million annually in EI-funded
Employment Benefits and Support Measures, effective November 2, 2009.
For the next two years, all provinces and territories will receive
additional LMDA funding under the Federal Government's stimulus package,
which was released in the last federal budget. Newfoundland and
Labrador's share of this funding is an additional $14.7 million per
year.
2010 04 27 2:55 p.m.
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