NB 1502
Dec. 5, 2006
FREDERICTON (CNB) - A task force has been established to examine challenges facing the non-profit sector in New Brunswick.
Premier Shawn Graham announced today that Claudette Bradshaw will be the lead member of the Community Non-Profit Task Force, which will have a mandate to make recommendations to ensure that the work and development of non-profit organizations will continue to benefit society.
"This task force will establish a new relationship between government and the non-profit sector, a relationship that we intend to be productive and effective, and a model for other provinces to emulate," Graham said.
The mandate for the Community Non-Profit Task Force includes raising awareness and setting out the context of the non-profit sector, identifying strategies to enhance the relationship with government, and identifying further activities in support of the task force goals. This initiative will involve a large consultation process with the non-profit sector.
"Our government has set the goal of self-sufficiency in this province," Graham said. "But to truly succeed we must succeed together, we need to move forward together."
A final report from the task force is expected to be presented to government by September 2007. It will include recommendations on how to strengthen the non-profit sector, and on strategies to enhance relations between non-profit groups and government.
"Non-profit organizations are the cornerstones of New Brunswick communities," Bradshaw said. "Our quality of life, our economic strength, and the vitality of our democratic institutions depend on the vibrancy of these independent sectors and the support they provide to each other."
The Community Non-Profit Task Force will offer the opportunity to engage community-based non-profit organizations who are delivering services, utilizing citizen volunteers, acquiring/providing funds and resources, and identifying emerging community needs across New Brunswick.
The Department of Family and Community Services will be the lead government department to provide support to this initiative.
06/12/05
MEDIA CONTACT: Marie-Andrée Bolduc, Office of the Premier, 506-444-2286; Robert Duguay, Family and Community Services, 506-444-3684.
06/12/05