LPQ Attends Round-Table With Hon. Jane Stewart, HRDC

Thanks to the efforts of Marlene Jennings, M.P. for NDG-Lachine riding, the Hon. Jane Stewart, Minister for Human Resources Development Canada was the guest of the riding on Friday, March 24 2000.

LPQ was represented at the meeting along with approximately 15 other organizations funded by HRDC. Ms. Stewart was extremely warm and engaging as she listened with interest to the presentations.

Her response was in the form of some broad statements in which she emphasized the need to increase partnerships. She commented on the need to strengthen the volunteer sector in order to strengthen community development.

Ms. Stewart also emphasized the need to support parents at the community level. In referring specifically to literacy, the Minister observed that we must change our strategy for reaching learners. She acknowledged the progress we have made in raising awareness but now called for some new approaches. Once again she suggested developing partnerships within the community where our target audience is most likely to be found.

In her closing comments, Marlene Jennings spoke about the need to promote sustainability for organizations. She noted that this cannot be done with short-term funding and vowed to push for core funding.

This meeting was most positive and underscores the value of dialogue between organizations and all levels of government. LPQ would like to thank Minister Stewart who was most gracious with her time and also Marlene Jennings who made the meeting possible. Ms. Jennings was once again exemplary in her role as MP.

New Officers Elected at LPQ

At the last meeting of the Board of Directors of LPQ, a new Executive was elected. The new officers LPQ are: