April 29, 1999
(Works, Services and Transportation)

The following statement was issued today by Lloyd Matthews, acting Minister of Works, Services and Transportation. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I rise in the House today to address a matter of some urgency.

In an interview with CBC Radio in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, broadcast this morning, the Innu of the Quebec North Shore gave notice to government that they intend to seek a court injunction to stop the construction of the Red Bay to Cartwright road.

The Quebec Innu are saying that the road would cross territory included in their land claim.

While the Innu in Quebec have filed a land claim with the federal government which extends into Labrador, the province has not accepted that claim for the purposes of comprehensive land claims negotiations.

Our priority has been, and will continue to be, land claims settlement with resident Aboriginal groups in the province, namely the Labrador Innu Nation and the Labrador Inuit Association.

A short section of the road between Red Bay and Cartwright does cross territory claimed by the Innu Nation of Labrador. The Labrador Innu have not opposed the construction of the road.

The Red Bay to Cartwright road is a project of major importance to the province and the people of coastal Labrador.

On April 22, Minister Langdon announced the project had been released from environmental assessment. The Innu of the Quebec North Shore were given every opportunity to participate in the provincial environmental assessment process, as were all interested members of the public.

In fact, the Quebec Innu did make representations to the Minister of Environment, representations which were given due consideration.

Their actions, as reported in the media today, are regrettable and without foundation.

Government recognizes that the people of Labrador and the companies that do business in Labrador need an improved transportation network. The province is committed to proceeding with the construction of a vital link in that network in a manner that will respect and protect the pristine environment of Labrador.

The province will vigorously defend its position in the courts should the Quebec Innu decide to pursue court action. We are determined to build for the people of the South Coast of Labrador the road from Red Bay to Cartwright.

1999 04 29 2:20 p.m.