Job Creation Partnership Project Supports Hiking Infrastructure

Five hiking trails on the South Shore and Outer Bay of Islands on the West Coast of the province will see enhancements made through $58,402 in support from the Provincial Government, under the Job Creation Partnership (JCP) program.

"The Provincial Government is proud to partner with community-based organizations which undertake projects of local and regional importance," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "Not only will this project enhance a system of already developed trails, but it will expand the network with the development of two more trails. At the same time, individuals completing the work will gain valuable work experience and increase their employability in the labour market."

Sponsored by the Outer Bay of Islands Enhancement Committee, the project provides funding for the hiring of a foreman and four other individuals to complete the required work. This includes the completion of three existing trails (Bottle Cove, Cedar Cove, and Copper Mine to Cape), plus the development of two new trails (South Head Lighthouse in Lark Harbour and Pine Points in York Harbour).

"The Outer Bay of Islands Enhancement Committee is to be commended for their work with development and enhancement," said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "As a government, we recognize that hiking has become one of our most significant tourism products, and a great activity enjoyed by visitors and residents alike."

"Hiking is quickly becoming one of the most popular forms of outdoor recreation activity and the proposed network of trails in the South Shore and Outer Bay of Islands makes them easily accessible to tourists and resident alike," said Terry Loder, MHA for the Bay of Islands. "With an aging population in the province, the health benefits are many. It is also important to recognize the very valuable work experience the program participants receive while undertaking this very worthwhile project."

Through Job Creation Partnerships, non-profit community-based organizations and municipal governments 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 not-for-profit 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.

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.

For more information on the Labour Market Development Agreement, including Job Creation Partnerships, please visit: www.gov.nl.ca/hrle/lmda 

- 30 -

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 assumes responsibility for the design and delivery of approximately $133 million annually in EI-funded Employment Benefits and Support Measures, effective November 2, 2009.

2010 09 09                                                 4:20 p.m.