Minister Lush in Ottawa to represent interests of the province

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Tom Lush was present in the House of Commons yesterday when a resolution was passed to constitutionally amend the name of the province to the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. While in Ottawa, Minister Lush met with Industry Minister Brian Tobin and British High Commissioner Sir Andrew Burns to reiterate the province's desire to enhance military training in the province. 

"I was extremely proud to represent the people of the province in the House of Commons when the resolution to amend the name of the province was passed," said Minister Lush. "This has been something I have been making representation on since becoming Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs. This amendment officially recognizes Labrador as an equal partner in our province."

The constitutional amendment requires motions to be passed in the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, the House of Commons and the Senate. The House of Assembly unanimously passed the resolution in 1999 and the Senate is expected to pass the motion soon.

In his meeting with Minister Tobin, Minister Lush reiterated the need for an increased military presence in the province, both in terms of regular training activity and in light of security concerns in follow up to terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11. "Newfoundland and Labrador has a very strategic location in Canada and I believe our military should be doing more to capitalize on it," said Minister Lush. 

High Commissioner Burns expressed his sincere appreciation to the province for the assistance provided to hundreds of British nationals who were displaced to Newfoundland and Labrador airports during the terrorist crisis on September 11. The High Commissioner also offered Minister Lush his continued support for British military training at Canadian Forces Base Goose Bay.

"In an effort to gain support for the province's position for an expanded military presence in the areas of military training, security and defence, I will be making further contact with Intergovernmental Affairs Minister St�phane Dion, Foreign Affairs Minister John Manley and National Defence Minister Arthur Eggleton, in the near future."

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

2001 10 31                           4:25 p.m.