Government continues to make significant progress on Labrador priorities

Paul Shelley, Minister responsible for Labrador Affairs and Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today responded to a recent news release issued by Leo Abbass, Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, which outlines the town council�s disappointment with the provincial budget and makes accusations that Budget 2005 contained no new funding for Labrador.

Minister Shelley said he is both surprised and disappointed by Mayor Abbass� comments. "Mayor Abbass� remarks, as expressed both in a news release and through the media, are completely inaccurate and irresponsible," said Minister Shelley. "I feel it is my responsibility, on behalf of the residents of the entire province, to clarify this misinformation."

Minister Shelley said that government has placed a high priority on addressing issues in Labrador since forming government in November 2003, including a number of recent investments in Budget 2005. "Government invested significant new money for Labrador in this year�s budget," said Minister Shelley. "Some of the investments include $567,000 to help Labradorians overcome the barrier of affordability when accessing the health services they need outside their communities and region; $200,000 to begin planning and conceptual drawings for a new long-term care facility in Happy Valley-Goose Bay; and $500,000 to begin addressing issues identified in the Philpott Report on Innu education.

The minister said that government must be responsible and strategic in terms of investments and initiatives in provincial budgets, and must be balanced with expenditures. "We cannot be all things to all people," added the minister. "We received literally thousands upon thousands of requests from across the province and we have a responsibility to address as many needs as we can on a priority basis. We have said loudly and clearly that we are committed to Labrador, and this budget is reflective of that commitment."

Budget 2005 also outlines additional expenditures including proceeding with the development of Phase III of the Trans Labrador Highway with projected spending of $40 million this year alone. Government is committed to this process despite the fact that the Labrador Transportation Initiative Fund will be depleted by the end of this coming fiscal year.

Government is also continuing to promote 5 Wing Goose Bay. "We have produced results through Premier Williams continued commitment to this file, securing federal funding commitments for 5 Wing, clearance of the use of chaff and flares through environmental assessment, cost-sharing a Lessons Learned tour for the Goose Bay Citizens Coalition and other measures," said Minister Shelley. "The Premier has personally championed this base at the Berlin Air Show, and in meetings and discussions with the Prime Minister, the US Ambassador, and allied countries. Just last week the Premier discussed the issue of X-Band radar with Prime Minister Martin."


Minister Shelley responded to Mayor Abbass� comment that government failed to address the need for an auditorium in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. "I have stated publicly that government recognizes the need for a performing arts space in central Labrador. In fact, I am continuing to explore options to address this need in the area," said Minister Shelley. "However, during recent cabinet meetings in Labrador, our cabinet met with the leaders of 30 communities in Labrador, listened to their priorities and needs and were told quite clearly by Mayor Abbass that the top priority for Happy Valley-Goose Bay was long-term care.

"Mayor Abbass questions government�s commitment to a long-term care facility despite the investment of $200,000 in Budget 2005 to begin planning and develop conceptual drawings for the facility. Government has clearly stated that we will proceed with this project," said Minister Shelley. "There is no question, we are committed to this facility. However, we must complete design work before we can begin construction, an approach that is essential for the development of any capital project."

In addition, Minister Shelley clarified confusion around the purpose of government�s investment of $1.3 million for a new provincial training centre. "Mayor Abbass indicated in his release that our investment was to support �a rugby league to build a training facility.� In fact, the training centre will be a provincial institution to meet the training needs for both provincial and Canada Games athletes and rugby expansion needs, while providing a venue for many sport tourism opportunities, such as hosting national tournaments," said Minister Shelley. "In addition, our investment in this project represents one-third of the total cost of the facility and is expected to leverage additional money from the federal government and the City of St. John�s."

The minister said that government is working to diversify the economy through a call for expressions of interest on the Lower Churchill Hydro Development, the $1.5 million Northern Agrifoods Strategy, a study on value-added opportunities in the forestry sector, construction of forest access roads, silviculture funding, and $300,000 over three years in new investment for Destination Labrador; resolving land claims to provide the certainty required to promote the investment climate in Labrador; investments in additional policing and social worker positions; and a new court house in Happy Valley -Goose Bay. "We�ve just recently announced a series of new investments in social programs in this region to address challenges such as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, violence against women and the high cost of medical transportation. We are providing the funding necessary to allow the 2006 Labrador Winter Games to proceed and we are also proceeding with the development of a Northern Strategic Plan as we look toward the bright future for Labrador. And the list of achievements goes on."

Minister Shelley said government has made significant investments in Labrador since forming government. "We are proud of our record of achievement in Labrador and are committed to continued investments to build a better future for all Labradorians. We recognize there are many priorities that the people of Labrador would like to see addressed and over time we will make continued progress in addressing these issues."

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-0928, 685-1741

2005 03 24                      1:50 p.m.