April 29, 1999
(Executive Council)

The following statement was issued today by Premier Brian Tobin. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I will rise after question period today to put forth a motion to change the province's official name from the Province of Newfoundland to the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Labrador has a unique geography, history and culture. It is a vital and important part of this province. Government has taken several steps towards recognizing this reality, beginning with the passage of the Labrador Act in 1964.

This act provided for the official recognition of Labrador in the provincial Coat of Arms, on government stationery, and in government publications. This has created an inconsistency. There is a Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. However, Term 1 of the province's Terms of Union with Canada provides that the province be called Newfoundland.

In April 1992, the House of Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution calling on government to take the necessary steps to change the name of the province to Newfoundland and Labrador. A Select Committee of the House was established to review the matter, and public hearings were held throughout the province. A clear consensus emerged for the name of the province to be changed.

The first item addressed in my government's Throne Speech of March 20, 1996 was changing the name of the province. We have now brought forward a resolution to amend Term 1 of the Terms of Union to reflect the new name of the province. Should the house adopt this resolution, we will be asking the federal government to introduce the resolution for confirmation by the House of Commons and the Senate.

House of Commons and Senate approval will complete the historic work initiated by the 1927 Privy Council decision which defined Labrador, the Labrador Act (1964), the 1992 House of Assembly Resolution, and the 1992 Report of the Select Committee of the House.

Changing the name of the province is a symbolic but important recognition of Labrador's status as a full partner in this province. Labradorians have requested this change for many years. I am pleased to initiate the final steps toward granting that request. Having both major parts of the province reflected in our name will promote, I believe, the unity of our province. It will enable all citizens of this province to work together to meet the tremendous challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The name change is, indeed, an appropriate way to mark the province's 50th anniversary as a part of Canada. And I hope the members of this house will join with me in passing the resolution needed to make it a reality.

1999 04 29                               2:15 p.m.