Winnipeg, Manitoba – Low-income individuals,
groups, and organizations will have easier access to the services
of SEED (Supporting Employment & Economic Development) Winnipeg
as it consolidates into one location. The Winnipeg Partnership Agreement
provided $75,000 to SEED to help them achieve the move.
Funding for this project was announced today by the Honourable
Scott Smith, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade, the
Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Minister
of Western Economic Diversification, and, his Worship, Sam Katz,
Mayor of Winnipeg.
“I congratulate SEED Winnipeg on the opening of their new
consolidated location,” said local MLA Doug Martindale on
behalf of Minister Smith. “This one stop shop will make it
simpler for inner-city residents and organizations to access the
programs and initiatives to improve the quality of life in their
communities.”
“Canada’s new government is proud to invest in SEED
Winnipeg,” said Minister Skelton. “This program is an
excellent example of how strong partnerships between governments
and communities help ensure Winnipeg’s residents are involved
with making positive changes in their lives and in their neighbourhoods.”
“SEED is a great example of the positive changes that can
occur in a community when people are given a hand up rather than
a hand out,” said Mayor Katz. “Developing tools that
can be used so people feel a sense of purpose and belonging is a
great way to help citizens participate fully and lead successful
lives.”
SEED strives to combat poverty in Winnipeg’s inner city.
Their programs and services target low-income individuals, groups
and organizations, with the goal to address employment and economic
development needs.
Clients are taught skills like money management and business planning
to increase their social and economic vitality. Counselling, peer
support and access to non-traditional financial services are also
available to help SEED clients develop the tools they need to build
or expand a small business or save to buy long-term assets like
a house. These activities support neighbourhood growth and help
people become economically self-sufficient.
The Winnipeg Partnership Agreement funds announced today were provided
through the Social Economy and Community Development portion of
Component II - Building Sustainable Neighbourhoods. This supports
the revitalization of communities in need through broadly-based
community economic development strategies. These efforts are owned
and driven by communities so the people living there are able to
increase their ability to live dignified, purposeful and happy lives.
The Winnipeg Partnership Agreement was signed in May 2004 and represents
a five-year, $75-million commitment by the governments of Canada,
Manitoba and Winnipeg to strengthen neighbourhoods, promote economic
development and enable Aboriginal citizens to fully enjoy Winnipeg’s
economic and social opportunities. Interested parties are encouraged
to consult the website www.winnipegpartnership.mb.ca/index.shtml
for program details.
Federal funding for these projects is included in the fiscal framework.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is the federal department
responsible for administering this agreement.
For additional information, contact:
Fiona MacLeod
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of National
Revenue and Minister of Western
Economic Diversification Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
(613) 995-2960
Graham Gork
Communications Coordinator
Communications Services
Manitoba
(204) 945-5795
Brad Salyn
Press Secretary
Office of the Mayor
City of Winnipeg
(204) 986-4003
