The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is investing $130 million to increase economic activity and improve infrastructure in Labrador. This investment is part of an approximately $800 million package for new and on-going infrastructure projects in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2009-10 fiscal year and over $4 billion over the next several years.

The Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs, and the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs made the announcement in Labrador City this morning. The ministers were joined by the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, and the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs. The Labrador City announcement was made while the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Transportation and Works, were in St. John�s to release details of the Provincial Government�s historic record investment in infrastructure.

"It is extremely fitting that the ministers for Labrador and a number of other Cabinet Ministers in this administration are in Labrador West today to make this announcement," said Minister Hickey. "This region is facing some serious challenges as a result of the scheduled lay-offs at Wabush Mines and the slowdown in production at IOC mines. Today�s investments show the Williams� Government is prepared to strategically and substantially invest in infrastructure that improves our quality of life while stimulating economic growth. These are challenging times for all of Newfoundland and Labrador but this administration has an impressive record on fiscal management and economic development and we will continue to do everything necessary to ensure the economy of this province remains on sound footing."

"With the slowdown in the mining sector, this region is feeling the impact of the current economic downturn in a very real way," said Minister Pottle. "All regions of Newfoundland and Labrador have known hardship at one time or another and we all offer our support to the people of Labrador West during this challenging time. As a minister from Labrador I am also pleased to note that these investments, through improving programs and services and job creation, will benefit all Labradorians."

In the Labrador West region, construction of the new College of the North Atlantic campus and related projects will begin this year with an investment of $9.5 million. As well, $19 million has been allocated in the 2009-10 fiscal year for the new francophone school in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and the new K-12 schools in Port Hope Simpson and L�Anse au Loup.

Significant spending in Labrador will also take place under the Municipal Capital Works program (MCW). In Labrador West, during the 2009-10 fiscal year, the Provincial Government will invest some $3.2 million in major infrastructure initiatives including water and sewer upgrades and road paving and reconstruction. This is a part of new and on-going funding through the MCW throughout Labrador that will see $5.5 million in infrastructure projects in the 2009-10 fiscal year.

Other notable investments in Labrador include $58 million in provincial funding, in addition to a federal investment of $26.5 million, for continued work on Phase I and Phase III of the Trans Labrador Highway, $4.7 million for continued funding for the new health care facility in Labrador West, and $2 million for a new pre-trial detention facility in Happy Valley-Goose Bay for adult women and youth.

In addition, Nalcor Energy, through its subsidiary Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, will allocate $3 million for the construction of an office and warehouse in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and begin a $10 million dollar construction project of two new terminal stations in Labrador City with a $300,000 investment this fiscal year.

Today�s announcement builds upon the Northern Strategic Plan for Labrador (NSP), currently entering its third year, in which it is expected more than $300 million will be spent over the course of the five-year plan. The NSP is a living document that is updated regularly to adjust to changes in demography, technology, society and the economy. The plan will continue to grow as the needs of the communities of Labrador are addressed.

"Through implementing the Northern Strategic Plan for Labrador, this government has acquired an expertise in strategic investment that continues to improve the health and well-being of all Labradorians while contributing to the economic development of the region," said Minister Hickey. "As we continue our efforts to meet the challenges brought on by the uncertain global economic situation, we will continue to invest in Labrador people and their communities."

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