I rise to update colleagues on a series of Northern Strategic Plan (NSP) information sessions taking place in communities throughout Labrador. The NSP is a five-year plan to improve the health and well-being of all Labradorians. At its inception, the plan had an initial investment of $250 million with 145 commitments. It is now expected the NSP will see $587.3 million invested in Labrador, with some 210 commitments.

In recent weeks we have held information sessions in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, L'Anse au Loup, and Port Hope Simpson. Included in these sessions is a presentation on our NSP mid-term progress report. Published copies of the report are now available, which I am sending to municipalities, Local Service Districts and targeted stakeholders throughout Labrador to further ensure that the work being done by this government is conveyed in a transparent and accountable manner. The report chronicles an unprecedented level of investment and accomplishment that has taken place up until fall 2009. Those efforts continue through Budget 2010, which will see $158 million invested in Labrador to improve infrastructure and enhance programs and services. By the end of the fiscal year, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will have invested more than $2.4 billion in Labrador since its first budget of March 2004.

We are building on our record of achievement through initiatives such as the historic opening of Phase III of the Trans Labrador Highway, which will cost approximately $138 million when completed, and a $1.5 million pilot project featuring a year-round ferry service between the island and Labrador. Other Budget 2010 investments include funding to build four social housing units for Nain, $1 million to assist with the environmental clean up of the former United States military station in Hopedale, and $673,000 for a new satellite dialysis unit for Labrador West.