The Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs, and the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, met this week with executive members of the Combined Councils of Labrador (CCL) to provide updates on the Northern Strategic Plan for Labrador. The plan is in its second year of a five-year mandate in which over $300 million will be spent on new and ongoing initiatives.

"I look forward to meetings with the CCL executive and the opportunity to have an open and productive discussion on Labrador issues, including municipal infrastructure, energy and resource development," said Minister Hickey, who was accompanied by executive officials with the Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs. "The Expo Labrador conference and trade show taking place this week provide a perfect opportunity to meet and have important dialogue as well as get feedback on this government�s unprecedented spending in Labrador in Budget 2008. This reflects the Northern Strategic Plan for Labrador�s clear direction for the social and economic advancement of Labrador."

"The Combined Councils of Labrador is an important voice for Labradorians and I was pleased to be able to attend Tuesday�s meeting," said Minister Pottle. "Labrador�s Aboriginal peoples can be assured that they have strong representation within the CCL as they do within the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador."

Prior to the meeting, Minister Hickey presented the CCL with a cheque for $120,000 for the council�s annual funding − an increase of $20,000 from the previous year. The presentation took place during a luncheon at the Royal Canadian Legion following a keynote address delivered by Minister Hickey.

"We appreciate the Provincial Government�s ongoing commitment to the Combined Councils of Labrador," said CCL president and Wabush Mayor Jim Farrell. "The CCL enjoys a great rapport with the province, which I�ve personally appreciated in my time as president. When we met previously with Minister Hickey, we made a request for increased operational funding. I was very pleased to see that provided in the provincial budget, and am especially pleased to receive the cheque during Expo 2008 at the Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs luncheon."

The Northern Strategic Plan for Labrador 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. Budget 2008 investments include:

• $18.8 million for health infrastructure;
• $2.1 million to build a depot in Cartwright Junction to ensure proper summer and winter maintenance along this section of the Trans Labrador Highway between Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Cartwright, which will be completed in 2009;
• $698,000 for six new members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police;
• $500,000 for continued investment in the Labrador Winter Games, which in 2009 will mark its 10^th anniversary;
• $550,000 to enhance winter trails on the north coast;
• $200,000 under the Poverty Reduction Strategy, to expand eligibility for the Northern Allowance to all income support clients who maintain a residence in coastal Labrador; and,
• $200,000 under the Poverty Reduction Strategy for increased funding to the Air Foodlift Subsidy, bringing the total annual investment to $600,000.

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Media contact:
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
709-729-1674, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca