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George Sweeney, MHA for the District of Carbonear - Harbour Grace, says
funding being granted under the 2006-07 Community Enhancement Program (CEP)
does not come close to addressing the needs and applications that have been
forwarded to government. Sweeney says that applications from the District of
Carbonear-Harbour Grace totaled approximately $323,000, while only $53,000
was approved. "I am very disappointed that government has decided to fund
so few projects under this year’s CEP," said Mr. Sweeney. "My district is
only one example of where the need is far greater than the money that has
been allocated. The $53,000 that has been approved will not cover the cost
of one project, let alone the nine various applications that have been made
by the communities of Carbonear, Harbour Grace, Salmon Cove and Victoria.
"I am also very surprised that government is reducing CEP grants by 10
per cent because of the employment support projects that were designed to
help the people of Fortune deal with the closure of their fish plant. While
I totally support funding for the Fortune workers, I do not understand why
money was taken from the CEP to establish this program. The Fortune
initiative should be a separate program that has no impact on community
enhancement projects.
"As other communities and MHAs begin to receive their funding notices, I
fully expect the inadequacy of this program to be fully recognized. I truly
feel that this government is neglecting its duty to ensure the needs of
rural communities are addressed, and I believe this policy is another
example of government’s lack of understanding for rural issues in this
province. Until a proper investment is made, I fear people will continue to
leave our rural areas."
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