"NLHC’s Annual Tenant Conference provides the opportunity to discuss issues and concerns that affect families, neighbourhoods and communities. The corporation is aware of the important role that tenant associations play within communities across Newfoundland and Labrador and will continue to support them in their efforts to build healthy, vibrant communities," said Minister Burke. "I applaud their efforts and wish them a very successful and productive tenant conference."

Registration for the conference begins at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, October 1 and will be followed by opening remarks and welcome from NLHC officials. Dave Denine, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister Responsible for Housing, will bring greetings on behalf of Minister Joan Burke. This year’s conference will include approximately 55 tenants, representing 29 tenant associations from across the province.

Les Dean, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NLHC, commented on the commitment and dedication of tenant associations and their volunteers. He said, "Each year that I attend the tenant conference, I come away with a renewed admiration for the tenant associations and how they continue to find innovative ways to improve the lives of the children, adults and seniors in their neighbourhoods. This weekend will provide an opportunity to recognize past achievements and share ideas for the future."

A number of guest speakers will facilitate information sessions during the conference. Educator Barry Green will present a session entitled "7 Lessons for Life, Work & Happiness", which will focus on leadership and time management. Barry has over twenty years experience in education, training and community and economic development. Executive directors from NLHC’s community centres, including Ben Fitzgerald (Dunfield Park), Marilyn Hannam (Smallwood Crescent), Bonnie James (Buckmaster’s Circle), Leo Martin (Virginia Park), Janice Poitras (Rabbittown) and Kelly White (MacMorran) will also conduct two sessions: "Meeting of the Minds", which will examine techniques used to conduct effective meetings and "Image is Everything", which will focus on the importance of an organization’s actions and how significant public perception can be.

Two tenant associations participating at the conference are also marking important milestones this year. The Rabbittown Tenant’s Association of St. John’s is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and the Perrault Place Tenant’s Association of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is celebrating its 10th anniversary. NLHC’s Tenant Relations Program is also celebrating its 20th anniversary. The program will be represented at the conference by Tenant Relations Officers Heather Harding, Elinor McDonald and Charlene Taylor, all of whom work in the corporation’s Avalon Regional Office and are the organizers of the conference.

The conference will wrap up on Saturday evening, October 2, with a banquet. 

For further information contact:

Madonna Walsh
NLHC
(709) 724-3059
E-mail:  releases@nlhc.nf.ca