March 8, 2000
(Forest, Resources and Agrifoods)

Minister reaffirms commitment to Labrador coast

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, today opened the department�s new regional services building in Cartwright, Labrador.

"The south coast of Labrador is now served by nine full-time and three seasonal staff. These facilities provide the most modern equipment available in a comfortable working environment," Minister Aylward stated.

The Cartwright office is responsible for Forest Management Districts 20 and 21 which cover the entire south coast of Labrador. The office is responsible for compliance and enforcement, eco-system management and forest protection in the area.

"These offices have advanced into the electronic age of forest management including a Geographic Information System or G.I.S., a mapping tool which allows overlay of information on forest types with many other coverages to aid in effective decision-making," Aylward continued. "Advances such as G.I.S. allow departmental officials to provide the best possible forest management.

With Minister Aylward at the opening ceremonies were Lawrence O�Brien, Member of Parliament; Ernie Maclean, Minister of Government Services and Lands; Yvonne Jones, MHA for the area; officials of Canadian Forestry Service, officials of the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods and representatives from the community of Cartwright.

Media contact: Cynthia Layden-Barron, (709) 729-6183 fax: (709) 729-2076.

2000 03 08                                                         4:40 p.m.