Representatives of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) and tenants representatives from the corporation’s social housing portfolio are gathering in Gander, September 29- 30th for the 15th annual provincial tenant conference. The announcement was made today by Joan Marie Aylward, provincial minister responsible for housing.

Commenting on the conference, Minister Aylward noted: “As always, these conferences keep the lines of communication between NLHC and its tenants open and help us to remain aware and responsive to each others needs. In addition, they provide a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of  tenant associations throughout our province. They have made  significant contributions over the years to support children, families and individuals in their neighbourhoods and communities. Through their continued commitment, they have ensured their neighbourhoods remain active and vital.”

The conference will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday evening at Hotel Gander. Approximately 70 tenants, representing 34 tenant association from across the province are expected to attend. As part of this year’s conference, NLHC’s oldest tenant association, Dunfield Park Tenant Association, Corner Brook, will be recognized for its achievements over the past 25th years. Also receiving recognition will be Froude Avenue Community Centre and Rabbittown, West Heights and Virginia Park tenant associations of St. John’s, who are celebrating 15-year anniversaries, and Burin-Black Duck Cove tenant association, Burin, celebrating 10 years. Opening remarks will be made by Mary Marshall, Chief Operating Officer for NLHC.

Conference workshops will get underway at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday morning with guest speaker Barbara Case who is a Manager for Community Development with Human Resources and Employment and who also sits on the Provincial Strategic Social Plan committee. The focus of discussion will be on “Community Capacity Building” – a process by which communities look inward and understand their own strengths and capabilities and strive to build on those. Tenant associations will explore  what a healthy community should look like, and consider ways and means of achieving this in their own neighbourhoods.

The conference will wrap up on Saturday evening with a banquet.

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