The 1998 Strategic Social Plan outlines an integrated approach to achieving long-term economic and social development goals for the Province. Recognizing that work and economic security are essential to individual and community wellbeing, the Plan focuses on joint planning between government and regional economic development, education, and health care boards and agencies (six regions are defined for planning purposes). Operating from a
place-based development model (i.e., creating local solutions for local challenges), the goals are to assist individuals to achieve their potential, support employment and economic security, and achieve community stability.
Linking Economic and Social Policy
Productive and innovative societies are characterized by a high quality of life, and by cohesive economic and social policy development. Economic policies—which focus on capital investment, infrastructure development, labour market training, taxation, the environment, and research and development —create employment; provide incentives for individuals to work, save, innovate and be productive; provide funding for social programs such as education, health care, and income assistance; and provide other supports for those in need.
However, policy linkages can also be made from the other direction. Social policies related to human resource development, labour standards, health care and income distribution play a significant role in attracting investment and fostering private sector development.
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Social and Economic Factors are
Interconnected and Interdependent |
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Case Examples
Linking Economic & Social Policy |
| Wireless satellite technology project -
testing high speed Internet access to rural areas via satellite communications with potential applications in business, education, and public service delivery. |
| Grass Roots project -
six television programs designed to motivate community involvement through dialogue at the local level. Communities featured include Bonavista, Change Islands, Grand Bank, Port Hope Simpson, Stephenville Crossing, and Trepassey. |
Community capacity building project
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a community forum to discuss long-term local development opportunities and generate action plans to support existing and emerging community leaders.
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Social development also contributes to a skilled, creative, and entrepreneurial labour force that generates knowledge, helps communities prosper, and enables the Province to compete in, and take advantage of, global market opportunities.
In this context, some specific priorities emerging from Strategic Social Plan regional committees include: helping youth make a successful transition from high school to post-secondary education; providing labour market information to youth; supporting and expanding volunteerism; increasing knowledge of regional economic development opportunities; and creating a climate for economic development. Activity in 2001 will focus on these priorities, on continuing to build the Community Accounts economic and social indicators database, and on improved integration of programs and services.
Community Capacity Building
The Plan also seeks to enhance and build community capacity, defined as local leadership, confidence in the future, commitment to the community, and a willingness to work for community wellbeing. Leadership and teamwork, together with positive attitudes and an entrepreneurial spirit, are transferable skills which positively impact on local labour markets. |
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| Chart: Adapted from The Conference Board of Canada |
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