A new $60,000 funding commitment aimed at exposing the province’s youth to the diverse cultures, traditions, and employment opportunities in Labrador was announced by the Williams Government today. This is the latest in a series of new initiatives put forward through the Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy.

"Youth from Labrador told us they felt there were some misconceptions among their peers about life in their part of the province," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister Responsible for Youth Engagement. "By investing in the Experience Labrador program, we are supporting a long-term initiative that helps young people fully appreciate the many benefits that come with choosing to live and work in Labrador."

"I am very pleased to see the youth of Labrador advocating for opportunities to promote their region," said the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs. "Labrador is an excellent place for any young person to build his or her future. I’m sure many youth will come to realize this through their experiences with this new program."

Delivered through Futures In Newfoundland and Labrador’s Youth (FINALY!), Experience Labrador will provide 25 FINALY! members aged 15-35 an opportunity to engage in a five-day cultural exchange trip to the region. The trips are aimed at increasing dialogue and common understandings of culture between youth from Labrador and the island portion of the province. The first exchange trip will start in April.

"Labrador is a place of great opportunity and unique cultural diversity, and the best way for young people to fully understand this is to have them experience life in the region first hand," said John Mercer, Executive Director of FINALY! "FINALY! has always strived to provide our members with rewarding experiences, and the new Experience Labrador program is another example of how we apply this approach."

Creating a Province of Choice: A Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador was launched on November 5, 2009. Developed by youth, for youth, in close collaboration with business, labour, and community leaders, the strategy is supported by a three-year $15 million budget and contains 41 action items that are aimed at countering the impacts of out-migration, strengthening the labour market and supporting the economic development of the province.

For more information about the Experience Labrador program, call toll-free 1-877-596-6262, or e-mail info@finaly.ca.

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