Tenants from Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s (NLHC) non-profit housing and representatives of the corporation are gathered this October 4-5 weekend, at Hotel Gander for the 17th annual tenant conference. NLHC’s Board of Directors, who are holding their 174th meeting in Gander, will also participate in the conference. The announcement was made today by Oliver Langdon, minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, responsible for housing.

“Activities such as the tenant conference have great benefits for all those involved,” said Minister Langdon. “Each year provides a new learning experience, an exchange of information and ideas, and an opportunity to share all the successes each tenant association have accomplished within their community over the year.”

The conference will begin at 7:00 p.m. this evening, with remarks by Mr. Jim Walsh, Parliamentary Secretary (Housing) who is attending on behalf of Minister Langdon, and Mr. Leslie J. Dean, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of NLHC. This year’s conference includes approximately 115 tenants representing 32 tenant associations cross the province. Consultant, Bobbie Boland, will facilitate a “learn-and-return” session on Participatory Evaluation. Essentially this means those participating will have an opportunity to take what they learn during the conference, use the information during various activities in their community, and record the results. During the 18th annual conference in 2003, those previous participants will return with their results to complete part two of the Participatory Evaluation program. Upon completion, each participant will receive a certificate of achievement. This process will help members understand and recognize their strengths, while building on their needs. In addition to board members, representatives from various levels of the corporation, will participate with tenants in each of the workshop sessions.

Three tenant associations, each celebrating their 15th anniversary this year, will also be recognized.  These include: Buckmaster’s Circle Tenant Association, representing Buckmaster’s Circle – St. John’s; Tenant Action Association, representing Brophy Place – St. John’s; and Community Togetherness Association, representing Smallwood Crescent – Marystown. Congratulations to all those being recognized this year.

“The tenant conference also provides an opportunity for in-depth discussion of tenant issues. It is this type of face-to-face interaction that allows NLHC to reach out to its clients on a personal level, and ensure there is a continued awareness and understanding of client’s needs,” said Mr. Walsh. “As a learning organization, it is this type of interaction that promotes a team effort and  helps the corporation attain its ultimate goal of developing and adapting its housing resources to meet the varying needs of a changing population.”

The conference will conclude on Saturday evening with a banquet for all participants.

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For further information, contact:
Jenny Bowring, Corporate Communications
Telephone:  (709) 724-3055 
E-mail:  releases@nlhc.nf.ca