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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. The plan is currently in its fourth year of a five-year mandate in which over $587 million will be spent in new and ongoing initiatives. 

"Playing host to the Northern Development Ministers' Forum provides an outstanding opportunity to showcase all that Labrador has to offer," said Minister Pottle. "From a spirited celebration and recognition of cultures and traditions, to progressive social programming, economic development and unprecedented infrastructure investments, Labrador has a great story to share with other northern jurisdictions, and I'm pleased to say that planning is already underway for this historic gathering in August of 2011." 

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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 09 02                                                   10:40 a.m.


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