The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to maintain and strengthen relations with the Nunavut Government.

The Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs, met with the Honourable Peter Taptuna, Deputy Premier and Minister of Economic Development and Transportation for the Government of Nunavut, during this year�s Expo Labrador Conference and Trade Exhibition, which took place this past week, in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

"As two neighbouring northern regions, it is vital that we come together to discuss possible economic opportunities that will strengthen and enhance the quality of life for our northern communities," said Minister Hickey. "As the only Atlantic province with a northern area, Newfoundland and Labrador is ideally positioned to be Canada�s Arctic Gateway, and we are working diligently to earn this designation."

This worthwhile meeting builds upon the Provincial Government�s Northern Strategic Plan for Labrador, which encourages Aboriginal partnerships to pursue economic opportunities with other jurisdictions. Throughout the course of the meeting, much deliberation was based on lack of docking facilities at Iqaluit and discussing potential ways of improving the shipment of products and services from one region to another. Minister Hickey and Minister Taptuna both agreed that accessibility by air and sea is key in improving the social and economic future for Labrador and Nunavut.

"By working together, the Government of Nunavut and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador can help each other," said Minister Taptuna. "To make this linkage a success, we also need the financial support of the Federal Government to improve transportation infrastructure, and the participation of private industry," he added. "I am particularly interested in exploring solutions that will strengthen our northern communities and our stake in the great North East Trade Corridor."

Minister Hickey and Minister Taptuna hope to meet again in the near future to further examine solutions and opportunities that will benefit the people of both regions.

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