Human Resources, Labour and Employment
April 30, 2010
Job Creation Partnership to Benefit Area of Lewisporte
Five Job Creation Partnership projects will employ 10 individuals in
the Lewisporte area. The Provincial Government will support these
projects through a maximum investment of up to $129,892 under the Job
Creation Partnership program.
Through these projects, which total $183,787, the Calypso Foundation
will hire two individuals to assist with special event planning and
other related marketing activities; an individual will gain work
experience as an events co-ordinator for the Flying Boat Festival in
Norris Arm; and the Town of Lewisporte will hire an individual to assist
with the Lewisporte Boat and Outdoor Recreation Show along with six
individuals to help construct a new multi-purpose community centre in
the town (the Woolfrey's Pond Chalet).
"Not only will 10 individuals gain valuable work experience through
these projects, but area residents will benefit from the outcomes of
these initiatives," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of
Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "Our priority now is to review
all the programs and services, including the Job Creation Partnership
program, which recently became the responsibility of the Provincial
Government. Our goal is to identify ways to improve and expedite the
delivery of these programs, while ensuring that they are tailored to
more accurately respond to local, regional and provincial needs."
Through Job Creation Partnerships, non-profit community-based
organizations, municipal governments and businesses partner with the
Provincial Government to address local priority needs. 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.
"These initiatives add to the economic growth of our area and also
enable local groups to get much needed work completed," said Wade Verge,
MHA for Lewisporte. "I am pleased to see this investment and also offer
my thanks to all groups and organizations that make the effort to apply
for Job Creation Partnership funding. Your interest in your community is
inspiring."
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
- 30 -
Media contacts:
Jennifer Collingwood
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-0753, 690-2498
jennifercollingwood@gov.nl.ca |
Donna
Ivey
Communications Manager
Government Members Office
709-729-0898, 697-1424
donnaivey@gov.nl.ca |
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 assumes 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 $14.7 million per year.
2010 04 30 1:35 p.m.
|