Provincial Cabinet to hold meetings in Labrador

Premier Danny Williams today announced the provincial Cabinet will meet in Labrador next week. Cabinet will also meet with Labrador mayors and community leaders to provide them with another first-hand opportunity to dialogue with the provincial government on issues important to Labradorians.

"I have invited the mayors and community leaders of more than 30 communities throughout Labrador to meet with the entire Cabinet," Premier Williams said. "My government is serious about making real progress in addressing the health and social needs of Labradorians, and creating a brighter and sustainable economic future for the benefit of all people living in Labrador."

The provincial Cabinet will meet in Labrador City on Monday, March 7 and in Happy Valley-Goose Bay on Tuesday, March 8. Later in the day on March 8, the Cabinet will meet with mayors and community leaders from across Labrador.

Trevor Taylor, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, says the provincial government is looking forward to a frank discussion with Labrador community leaders on the priorities of Labradorians. "As we prepare for the opening of the House of Assembly and the 2005-06 Budget later this month, this is a timely occasion for government to report on the progress we have made and to hear about Labrador issues and priorities directly from Labradorians."

John Hickey, Lake Melville MHA and Parliamentary Secretary for Labrador Affairs, welcomed news of the Labrador meetings. "This is an excellent occasion for the communities of Labrador to express their hopes and concerns directly to government," he says. "These meetings are a significant way for government to make sure that Labrador continues to receive the focus and attention it deserves."

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960 or (709) 690-5500, elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca

2005 03 03                  10:05 a.m.