Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
September 2, 2010 Province to
Host Northern Development Ministers' Forum in 2011
Labrador's natural beauty, rich culture and growing
economic potential will take the national stage when the region plays
host to the 2011 Northern Development Ministers' Forum (NDMF) August
22-24, in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The Honourable John Hickey, Minister
of Labrador Affairs, made the announcement during this year's NDMF,
which took place this week in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
"The Northern Development Ministers' Forum is an
important annual gathering of ministers and government officials
to learn and gain valuable information for our own jurisdictions," said
Minister Hickey, who was joined at this year's forum by the Honourable
Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. "I look forward to
welcoming all participants to experience this great and vast land,
beautiful and rich in resources and opportunity, filled with people who
celebrate diverse cultures and traditions."
The NDMF was established in 2001 to advance the common
interests of northerners and to raise awareness of the accomplishments,
contributions and potential of the North. The theme of this year's forum
was Seizing the Future: Taking Hold of Our Economic Activities.
Other featured topics were Changing
Northern Economies, and Climate Change:
Best Practices Boreal Forest Management.
At this year's forum, Minister Hickey introduced the
priority project Northern Infrastructure, which provides clear
indications of infrastructure priorities in northern Canada. It also
provided jurisdictions with a greater understanding of the current
infrastructure picture in Northern Canada and will serve as a tool for
future infrastructure planning.
As well, Minister Hickey updated delegates on the
Northern Strategic Plan for Labrador, the Provincial Government's
strong commitment to improve infrastructure, advance social programming
and foster economic prosperity.