Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
April 8, 2010Government
to Update Labradorians on Northern Strategic Plan Achievements
Following the release of the Northern Strategic
Plan (NSP) Progress Report on March 25, the Government of Newfoundland and
Labrador will hold information sessions in communities throughout Labrador on
the progress of the plan. The Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador
Affairs, and officials from the department will visit communities beginning
April 9. As well, the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs,
will join Minister Hickey for the session in Nain.
"The Northern Strategic Plan Progress Report presents an important snapshot of
the evolution of the plan and initiatives that will be spearheaded in the coming
years," said Minister Hickey. "By going out to communities, we can give a
first-hand update on the plan and its achievements. The NSP has enabled us to
make tremendous progress and we will continue to strive to support the plan's
vision of a Labrador where government and people work together so that all
residents share in an improved quality of life."
"These information sessions will give people a clear idea on what has been
achieved since the plan was implemented and I am pleased to take part," said
Minister Pottle. "The Northern Strategic Plan is a living document that works
for the betterment of all Labradorians. These sessions will also give our
residents insight into how government sees the plan evolving over the next two
years."
The information sessions scheduled are as follows:
- April 9 - 12:00 noon Happy Valley-Goose Bay
(Masonic Lodge);
- April 14 - 6:00 p.m. Port Hope Simpson
(Alexis Hotel);
- April 15 - 6:00 p.m. L'Anse au Loup
(Lawrence D. O'Brien Town Centre); and,
- May 14 - 12:00 noon Nain (Atsanik Lodge).
Information sessions for Churchill Falls and
Labrador West will be announced at a later date.
"I look forward to meeting and discussing the current status of the NSP, and to
engaging in dialogue on the future of the plan," said Minister Hickey. "In
Budget 2010 alone, there will be an unprecedented investment of $158 million in
Labrador to improve infrastructure and enhance programs and services. By working
together and moving forward, we will forge a better future for ourselves and our
children."
Announced on April 20, 2007, the NSP is a five-year plan to improve the health
and well-being of all Labradorians. It had an initial investment of $250 million
with 145 commitments. Updated regularly, it is now expected the NSP will see
$587.3 million invested in Labrador, with some 210 commitments, throughout its
life-span.
The plan is a hallmark of the Provincial Government's strong commitment to
address the needs of Labrador, to improve infrastructure, advance social
programming and foster economic prosperity. By the end of the coming fiscal
year, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will have spent more than $2.4
billion in Labrador since its first budget of March 2004.
A copy of the Northern Strategic Plan and the progress report can we found at
www.laa.gov.nl.ca/laa/northern_strategic_plan/index.html.
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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
2010 04 08
12:55 p.m. |
