April 30, 1996
(Executive Council)

Premier comments on discussions with president of Labrador Inuit Association

Premier Brian Tobin says he is pleased with the outcome of discussions with William Barbour, president of the Labrador Inuit Association, in Rigolet on Monday. Premier Tobin was in the Labrador coastal community to address the annual meeting of the LIA and to hold discussions on restarting land claim negotiations.

"I had a full and frank exchange with Mr. Barbour and his negotiating team. I believe it's time for all the parties to renew their negotiating mandates. We have to be prepared to be more flexible in order to achieve an agreement in principle," said Mr. Tobin.

Premier Tobin says he will be arranging a three way meeting with the LIA and Indian Affairs Minister Ron Irwin. "Our intention is to put negotiations back on the fast track. We'll be establishing a facility in St. John's in the near future so that both the federal and provincial government and the LIA negotiating teams have a centralized and dedicated facility to ensure progress on this file," said Mr. Tobin.

Contact: Cathy Coady, Director of Communications, (709) 729-3564.