NLIS 4
June 4, 2001
(Executive Council)

Minister meets with federal counterparts

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Tom Lush is pleased with the outcome of his recent meetings with federal ministers in Ottawa on May 28 and 29 in which he highlighted key issues of importance to Newfoundland and Labrador. 

Minister Lush met with Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada; St�phane Dion, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs; Arthur Eggleton, Minister of National Defence; Elinor Caplan, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada; and Brian Tobin, Minister of Industry. Among the topics of discussion were changes to the Employment Insurance program, skills development/post-secondary education, defence issues related to military training at CFB Goose Bay, Stephenville environmental clean-up and immigration issues.

"In my meeting with Minister Stewart, I indicated to her that skills development is a key concern for Newfoundland and Labrador and I expressed our interest in cooperating with the federal government in implementing a national agenda on skills and training," said Minister Lush. "I also conveyed our concern over the negative impacts of the divisor rule and suggested that we work together to develop strategies for activities during the off season to increase employment and enhance earnings for low income earners who qualify for EI benefits with minimum hours of work. Minister Stewart endorsed a cooperative approach in dealing with these issues."

Minister Lush raised the plight which fish harvesters on the northeast coast are facing as a result of problems caused by heavy ice conditions which prevent them from fishing as they normally do this time of year. "I was pleased that Minister Stewart agreed to look into the issue further and will contact her colleague, federal Fisheries and Oceans Minister Herb Dhaliwal, on the matter," said Minister Lush.

Minister Lush spoke to Ministers Dion and Eggleton about the province's interest in addressing the needs and concerns of the Allies who train in Labrador.

"I indicated to the ministers that the needs of the Allies who train at CFB Goose Bay are changing and that these needs must be addressed in a timely manner to ensure the base will continue to operate efficiently and effectively," said Minister Lush. "Attention must also be given to the renewal of the 2006 MOU for the long term success of the Base. I pointed out that, in 1999, military training at CFB Goose Bay contributed an estimated $90 million to the province's GDP and has become an important generator of economic activity in central Labrador.

"I was pleased that the ministers recognize the economic importance of the base in the area and are committed to looking into further expansions," said Minister Lush. 

Another area of key importance to the province is the Stephenville environmental clean-up. Minister Lush reiterated to Ministers Dion and Eggleton that responsibility for the clean-up of the former Stephenville air base ultimately rests with the federal government. 

"I told the ministers that the province remains firm on its position that the Stephenville environmental clean-up is the responsibility of the federal government and that we will continue to lobby to ensure that this is done," said Minister Lush. "Minister Eggleton has direct responsibility for this file and I am pleased that he agreed to review the matter further."

Minister Lush met with Minister Caplan on immigration issues, a file for which he is the lead provincial minister.

"Minister Caplan expressed her dedication towards assisting Newfoundland and Labrador in attracting more immigrants to our province as they help to address skills shortages," said Minister Lush. "I also made representation to Minister Caplan for an increased Citizenship and Immigration presence in our province, particularly in Goose Bay where many Allies are stationed."

Minister Lush addressed the issues noted in his meetings with Minister Tobin.

"I am pleased that as regional minister, Minister Tobin remains committed to work hard on behalf of the people of this province to advance these issues which are important to the future of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Lush.

Overall, Minister Lush says he is pleased with the recent meetings and feels that establishing good working relationships with federal ministers is a key component of effective provincial/federal relations.

"As Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs, an important part of my role is the coordination of federal/provincial relations and developing good working relationships with our federal counterparts," said Minister Lush. 

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-1341.

2001 06 04                                               1:40 p.m.