Air Foodlift Subsidy Program Resumes February 3 

The Honourable John Hickey, Minister responsible for Labrador Affairs and Minister of Transportation and Works, announced today that the annual Air Foodlift Subsidy Program for communities in Southern Labrador and the Labrador Straits will commence on Saturday, February 3. 

The program � administered by the Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs � will launch now that the marine crossing between St. Barbe and Blanc Sablon has ended for the winter season. 

The Air Foodlift Subsidy Program was developed in 1997 and ensures the people of coastal Labrador receive nutritious and perishable food items during the winter months. 

�This government is committed to ensuring Labradorians have access to the same healthy food products that most of us take for granted,� said Minister Hickey.  �Therefore we increased the air foodlift subsidy funding from $300,000 to $400,000 this year by working in conjunction with the Poverty Reduction Strategy.� 

The shipping season generally runs from early June to mid-November for the north coast and from early May to mid-January in southeastern Labrador and the Straits.  The Air Foodlift Subsidy Program begins 10 days after the marine shipping season is completed for each region, when consumers must rely on air delivery of perishable goods. 

Prior to today�s announcement, communities in Northern Labrador accessed the program between November 23-25.  The communities of Black Tickle, Williams Harbour and Norman Bay engaged in the program on November 29 and December 10. 

For further information on the Air Foodlift Subsidy Program, please contact Michele Wood, Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, at 709-896-1780. 

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Media contact:
David Salter
Director of Communications
Labrador Affairs
709-729-3015, 691-3577
davidsalter@gov.nl.ca  

2007 01 31                                                        10:35 a.m.