October 21, 2004 St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador Today, the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of the Natural Resources Canada, on behalf of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced $247,500 in funding under the Business Development Program (BDP) for the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Co-operatives to help improve and expand its support to clients. Over the course of two years, the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Co-operatives will establish a new service model for its customers. The first year of the project will see the development of new training resources and a professional development plan in concert with the creation of a new e-learning Web site. The second year will focus on the implementation of these plans, along with training in website management and support. "ACOA's support for the Federation of Co-operatives is part of the Government of Canada's overall commitment to stimulating community economic development in Newfoundland and Labrador,"said Minister Efford. "In rural areas in particular, co-operatives are an integral part of our communities, providing individuals with a proven framework for creating new enterprises and reaching collective goals." "The Federation's new client-services model will result in a more effective and efficient approach to co-operative enterprise development in the province, "said Glen Fitzpatrick, managing director, Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Co-operatives. "By revamping our client- services model, we will also be able to extend our services to more clients, making the co-operative option a possibility for more people." In addition to its client services, the Federation represents and promotes the co-operatives option for enterprise building through its participation in pan- provincial initiatives and partnerships. "We will continue to actively advocate for the increased awareness and support of co-operatives by promoting the benefits of co- operatives to industry associations and pursuing sector- specific partnerships and initiatives,"said Fitzpatrick. The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Co-operatives represents approximately 45 co-operatives. Its mandate to develop and maintain the co-operative movement in Newfoundland and Labrador is carried out through providing support services for both new and existing co-operatives and community-based development initiatives. ACOA is providing funding for this initiative under the Business Development Program, which offers non-commercial investments to support the promotion of entrepreneurship, trade, marketing and education through industry, community, youth and business associations. FOR BROADCAST USE ONLY: Today, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency announced $247,500 in funding to the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Co-operatives for the creation of a new web- based client-services model. "ACOA's support for the Federation of Co-operatives is part of the Government of Canada's overall commitment to stimulating community economic development in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Efford. The development of the new web-based client-services model will take two years and will take an e-learning approach to information delivery. "The Federation's new client-services model will result in a more effective and efficient approach to co-operative enterprise development in the province," said Glen Fitzpatrick, managing director, Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Co-operatives. - 30 - For more information, please contact: Ron Crozier Office of the Hon. Joseph McGuire Minister of ACOA (902) 888-4150 Doug Burgess Director, Public Affairs ACOA (709) 772-2935 Glen Fitzpatrick Managing Director Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Cooperatives (709) 726-9434
