Executive Council Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs April 20, 2007 Premier Launches Northern Strategic Plan for Labrador A hallmark of the Provincial Government�s strong commitment to addressing the needs of Labrador was launched today in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, officially released his government�s Northern Strategic Plan entitled The Future of our Land. A Future for our Children. The Premier was joined by the Honourable John Hickey, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs. The release of this plan signifies the fulfillment of Williams Government 2005 Speech from the Throne commitment to develop a Northern Strategic Plan for Labrador. The plan sets out a new, comprehensive course toward a stronger and more prosperous future for all Labradorians. The Premier noted that the plan builds upon the unprecedented Provincial Government initiatives in Labrador over the past four years in addressing the social and economic needs of the region. "This is a great day for Labrador and indeed the province as a whole, as we release a plan that clearly defines our vision for Labradorians and the role this region will play in the future success of our province," said Premier Williams. "Our government recognizes the pivotal role Labrador plays in our province and the tremendous contributions of the region to the economic well being of Newfoundland and Labrador. Implementation of the Northern Strategic Plan will serve to further invigorate the social and economic well being of all Labradorians, and will lay the foundation for a brighter future for the people and communities of Labrador." The Provincial Government will invest more than $250 million over the next five years to support the goals outlined in the plan, which includes existing and new Labrador initiatives. Approximately $55 million will be spent for new initiatives over the next five years to implement the plan. "The Northern Strategic Plan will improve the quality of living for Labradorians by providing improved infrastructure and programs and services," continued the Premier. "This plan will ensure that economic and resource development will directly benefit Labradorians. The Provincial Government will continue to work with Aboriginal people and community leaders to ensure the targets of the plan are achieved." The Northern Strategic Plan is the result of extensive public consultations and input, supplemented by cross-departmental efforts. It identifies a wide range of initiatives dedicated to advancing programs and services throughout Labrador. The following themes emerged through consultations: transportation; natural resources; tourism, culture and heritage; capacity building; partnerships; programs and services; and Aboriginal issues. "The Northern Strategic Plan for Labrador builds on our government�s already strong relationship with the Aboriginal people of Labrador," said the Honourable Minister Rideout, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs. "The plan identifies numerous initiatives that will form the basis for exploring future partnerships, advancing communications and developing further programs and services that meet the needs of all Aboriginal groups throughout the region." Minister Hickey noted that the Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs will play a lead role in overseeing the implementation of the plan. "The Williams Government is committed to improving the lives of all Labradorians and today we are making great strides with the launch of the Northern Strategic Plan for Labrador," said Minister Hickey. "The Northern Strategic Plan is a living document that will continue to evolve over the next five years and I am confident it will significantly improve programs and services in Labrador." The Provincial Government has identified four strategic directions in the Northern Strategic Plan. Those are: Some of the major investments for the Northern Strategic Plan include: The launch of the Northern Strategic Plan builds upon the past successes of the Williams Government as it relates to Labrador. These include funding of $56 million in 2005 for key initiatives to continue the development, diversification and well-being of Labrador, and an investment of over $47 million in Budget 2006 to address the infrastructure needs in the region. A copy of the
Northern Strategic Plan and a complete
list of new initiatives emerging from the NSP can we found at
www.gov.nl.ca/laa/nspl/. To
order a copy of the Northern Strategic Plan, please call 1-888-435-8111. -30- Backgrounders Media contacts:
2007 04 20 11:00 a.m.
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