Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
January 17, 2008

A Labrador group has received funding from the Provincial Government to help fund the first eastern Arctic conference and trade show. The Labrador North Chamber of Commerce (LNCC) has received $60,000 from the province�s Regional/Sectoral Development Fund (RSDF) to help co-ordinate the Northern Lights 2008 Conference and Trade Show in Ottawa.

"The LNCC is a strong community force for business and trade development within Labrador and Northern Canada," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "I congratulate the LNCC on teaming up with the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce to co-host this important event that will showcase business and economic development in Canada�s northern communities."

The Northern Lights 2008 Conference and Trade show will be held at the Ottawa Congress Centre from January 30 to February 2, 2008. It is expected to attract more than 160 exhibitors from the business community, social and economic development organizations and government departments, and 400 delegates.

The Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs, believes this trade show will bring Labrador to the doorsteps of investors. "I am very happy to be attending the first Northern Lights Trade Show and let investors from around the world know, we are open for business," said Minister Hickey. "This trade show is an excellent opportunity for exhibitors and delegates to network and it is also a great chance for me to meet with my northern colleagues and discuss ongoing business opportunities."

"Our objective is to identify and develop business opportunities for regional small and medium-sized enterprises within Labrador, the Canadian North and, throughout the circumpolar world," said Dave Hunt, co-chair of Northern Lights 2008. "This major event has allowed us to forge closer ties with the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce and will help us to develop relationships with similar organizations throughout Canada and internationally."

The Labrador North Chamber of Commerce has more than 145 members including businesses, professionals, government departments and community groups, and has been in operation since the 1970s. In addition to forming relationships with Northern Canada, the LNCC is also working to develop economic links with Iceland and Greenland. Further information on the Northern Lights 2008 Conference and Trade Show is available at www.northernlightsottawa.com.

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2007 01 17                                                          9:55 a.m.