Government releases Northern Strategic Plan discussion paper  

Paul Shelley, Minister responsible for Labrador Affairs, and Tom Rideout, Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, today released a discussion paper to aid in the development of a Northern Strategic Plan for Labrador .  

�The Northern Strategic Plan will reflect government�s priorities for the social and economic development of Labrador ,� said Minister Shelley.  �With the release of this discussion paper, government is moving forward with its Speech from the Throne commitment to establish a Northern Strategic Plan to reflect the objectives and aspirations of Labradorians.�  

"About 35 per cent of Labrador residents claim Aboriginal ancestry.  Therefore, the Northern Strategic Plan will be critical to the development of aboriginal communities as we move forward,� said Minister Rideout.  �Government looks forward to consulting with the Aboriginal people of Labrador as we continue on the path of developing the Northern Strategic Plan.�  

"Premier Williams, and our government, through this initiative is again demonstrating an ongoing commitment to meaningful consultation with Labradorians by ensuring inclusion on key issues such as transportation, natural resources, tourism and culture, health care and education,� said MHA John Hickey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister responsible for Labrador Affairs.  

In the coming months, government will conduct stakeholder consultations on the development of the strategy.  In support of the consultation and planning process, the discussion paper and feedback form are available through the Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs web site at: www.gov.nl.ca/laa/.  

The public can request a copy of A Northern Strategic Plan for Labrador:  A Public Discussion Paper by calling the department at 1-888-435-8111 (toll-free) or e-mail nsp@gov.nl.ca. Written responses to the discussion paper can be submitted to this e-mail or through regular mail:  

Northern Strategic Plan 
Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
P.O. Box 3014 , Stn. �B�
21 Broomfield Street
Happy Valley-Goose Bay , NL
A0P 1E0  

�I look forward to hearing from people and communities as we establish priorities and a common approach that will help secure a brighter future for all citizens living in Labrador ,� said Minister Shelley.  

�Our government very much looks forward to hearing from Aboriginal people and their views on how, together, we can continue progress in closing the gap in the quality of life of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people," said Minister Rideout.  

Media contact:

Ed Moriarity, Communications, Labrador Affairs, (709) 729-4062, 728-9623
Lori Lee Oates, Communications, Aboriginal Affairs, (709) 729-3733, 690-8403  

2006 06 30                                                        1:30 p.m.