Minister pleased with discussions with Labrador M�tis Nation

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will continue to work with the Labrador M�tis Nation (LMN) to advance the development of the forest industry in Labrador, said Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ernie McLean.

Following discussions with LMN president Todd Russell over the weekend, the Minister outlined a number of commitments the Province would undertake to address concerns with respect to the shipping of unprocessed wood to the island of Newfoundland. The commitments include:

• to formalize an agreement which will engage the LMN in the forest management process, by providing funding to participate in operational planning in Districts 19, 20 and 21;
• provide funding to establish a sorting yard in the Upper Lake Melville area;
• work with the LMN, and other stakeholders, to derive greater benefits for Labrador of the forest resources through secondary and value-added processing; and
• review, with the LMN, the wood harvesting operation in Cartwright.

The Province will also work with the federal government and Voisey�s Bay Nickel Company Ltd. to expedite funding for the LMN to participate in training and education programs for the Voisey�s Bay project.

Minister McLean said he is pleased the LMN and Government have agreed to a process of dialogue.

"When the Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs was established in February 2001, we made a commitment that we would work to ensure all residents of Labrador share in the benefits that accrue from the development of the region�s resources," said the Minister. "I am pleased that the LMN has accepted our offer to work with us to ensure Labrador�s forest resources are developed in a manner than provides maximum benefits to the people of Labrador."

Media contact: Bert Pomeroy, Communications, (709) 896-8668.

2002 08 26                                  5:00 p.m.