Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
December 17, 2008

Cabinet Ministers Host Meetings with the Combined Councils of Labrador

Infrastructure, capital works programs, health care and waste management were among the topics for discussion during recent meetings several Cabinet ministers held with executive members of the Combined Councils of Labrador (CCL).

"The Combined Councils of Labrador is an effective voice for all Labradorians and through this series of meetings my Cabinet colleagues are given a very clear picture of their concerns," said the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs. "The CCL�s ready and welcome access to several members of the provincial Cabinet is a true testament to the strong and supportive relationship the CCL enjoys with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador."

Cabinet ministers who participated in the meetings are: the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs; the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women; the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs; and, the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Transportation and Works. Also attending were Terry French, Parliamentary Secretary, representing the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services; and Labrador West MHA Jim Baker.

Through the Northern Strategic Plan for Labrador, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has committed to meet with the executive of the CCL to discuss items from resolutions passed at their annual general meetings.

During a meeting with Ministers Pottle and Hickey and MHA Jim Baker, the absence of a CCL representative from the north coast of Labrador was discussed. Minister Pottle was assured that the CCL executive is currently reaching out to communities on the north coast to secure a representative there.

"I was pleased to be able to meet with the executive of the Combined Council of Labrador and continue to foster the excellent working relationship we enjoy," said Minister Pottle. "I am concerned that the CCL no longer has a north coast representative on the CCL executive and I was glad to hear that efforts are being made to address that gap in representation. These meetings were productive for all involved and I look forward to attending the CCL�s AGM in March."

"The meetings with the various Cabinet ministers and MHAs were very worthwhile. It was certainly welcomed by the entire executive," said Jim Farrell, President of the Combined Councils of Labrador. "Many issues and concerns from the people of Labrador were directly addressed by government officials and their time spent with us is well appreciated. We are closing in on our 35th annual general meeting, which will be held in North West River Labrador, on March 12-14, 2009, and we look forward to seeing much Cabinet representation this year."

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Media contact:

John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
709-729-7628, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

2008 12 17                                                    11:35 a.m.


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