November 12, 1996
(Works, Services and Transportation)

Ministers explain vision for Labrador Transportation Initiative

Julie Bettney, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, and Ernie McLean, Minister of Government Services and Lands, and minister responsible for Labrador, will be in Labrador this week talking about the proposed Labrador Transportation Initiative. From Wednesday to Friday, the ministers will meet with representatives of community councils, business associations, other organizations and the general public to explain the basis for the development of an all-weather transportation system for Labrador.

"The purpose of our trip is to assure the people of Labrador that we have listened to their concerns and are now putting their ideas into action," said Ernie McLean. "The people have clearly expressed a need for an all-weather Trans Labrador Highway which would not only upgrade the route from Labrador West to Goose Bay, but would also link coastal communities with the highway at Red Bay, and would connect Cartwright to Goose Bay. This vision for a highway which integrates Labrador into Canada's national highway system is what we are working towards."

"We recognize that the current highway infrastructure in Labrador is inadequate and in many cases non-existent," said Julie Bettney. "Accordingly, we have begun negotiations with the federal government with a view towards developing a partnership on this issue. In order to make highway development happen, the province would accept operational responsibility for the Labrador marine services and the associated wharves and facilities now operated by the federal government." Federal assistance on this development is vital.

The benefits of a construction project of this nature are significant for Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr. McLean and Ms. Bettney acknowledged the assistance of Labrador West MHA Perry Canning, in developing the vision for the highway. "Besides providing a major economic development stimulus for the area, the Labrador Transportation Initiative will eliminate the isolation of many Labrador communities and bring job opportunities to the area," said Perry Canning.

Government is continuing to work diligently with the federal government and hopes to reach an agreement by late December. If an agreement is signed, construction could begin as early as the spring of 1997 and continue until a complete system of paved roads is in place in Labrador.

Contact: Minister Bettney's Office, (709) 729-3678; or Minister McLean's Office, (709) 729-4712.