Abstract

VIBRANT COMMUNITIES AND SUSTAINABLE REGIONS: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR'S STRATEGIC SOCIAL PLAN

Penelope M. Rowe and Carla Wheaton

In 1998, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador released People, Partners and Prosperity: A Strategic Social Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador (SSP), a framework advocating an integrative and holistic approach to social policy development in the province. The plan identifies four specific goals intended to guide policymakers in the implementation of the SSP:

• vibrant communities where people are actively involved;
• sustainable regions based on strategic investment in people;
• self-reliant, healthy, educated citizens in safe communities; and
• integrated, evidence-based policies and programs.

These will be achieved by:

• building on community and regional strengths;
• integrating social and economic development; and
• investing in people.

The SSP also recognizes the important role played by the voluntary, community-based sector in society and suggests government will partner with the sector "to achieve its social development goals."

Because of its emphasis on place-based development, the SSP is being implemented on a regional basis. The provincial government has established six regional steering committees with representatives from the regional health, school, health & community services and economic zone boards; various levels of government; and community groups. The Premier's Council on Social Development has also been appointed to offer "advice on provincial directions for social development."

This paper will examine the approach to social development outlined in the Strategic Social Plan through an exploration of specific case studies. Of particular interest will be the role of voluntary, community-based organizations in this process and their efforts to encourage social development in the context of the SSP.

Bios

Penelope M. Rowe is the CEO of the Community Services Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, an organization dedicated to social policy research and promoting volunteerism, and is director of the Values Added Community University Research Alliance, a collaborative research project involving the Community Services Council, researchers from Memorial University of Newfoundland, and a number of other community partners in a study of the province's Strategic Social Plan.

Carla Wheaton recently completed a Ph.D. in History at Memorial University of Newfoundland and is the researcher/coordinator of the Values Added Community University Research Alliance.

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