March 22, 2000
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Labrador Development

Minister Kevin Aylward announced today: "The Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods has initiated a process for the development of Labrador forest resources to be formulated in consultation with stakeholders in the region. To increase our potential for growth in the forest sector, the department will work with the forest industry and Aboriginal groups to ensure the forest resource is developed to its full potential."

During the sectoral forum on the Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth there was a great deal of discussion on the development of Labrador�s forest resources. While current issues and approaches to forest management were discussed, stakeholders articulated the importance of long term approaches. "The significant timber resources in Labrador have remained largely untapped. This is particularly true in the coastal region where there is an estimated sustainable harvest of over 97,000 m³ annually," said Aylward. "Recently, however, a number of proponents have expressed interest in harvesting and processing operations in this area."

To fully assess the potential for such operations, the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, in consultation with the Southeastern Aurora Development Corporation, has called for expressions of interest subject to terms and conditions designed to provide for sustainable development of the resource while retaining maximum value in the region. The department expects to take a similar approach to development of timber resources in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay area, which are also currently underdeveloped.

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

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