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Executive Council
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
February 24, 2011

Premier and Cabinet Ministers to Attend
Annual Gathering of Combined Councils of Labrador

The 2011 Combined Councils of Labrador (CCL) annual general meeting will see a strong showing from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, with the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and several of her Cabinet colleagues attending this week’s gathering in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

As part of her first official visit to Labrador, Premier Dunderdale will be the keynote speaker at a CCL luncheon taking place Friday, February 25.

“My Cabinet colleagues and I are pleased to bring our voices to these discussions, as Labrador has always been, and continues to be, a high priority for our government," said Premier Dunderdale. "With $2.4 billion in investments since our first Budget in 2004, we stand firmly by a historic record of achievement in Labrador that is unmatched. We will continue to work towards achieving the vision of Labrador articulated through the Northern Strategic Plan – working together to advance social and economic development for an improved quality of life.”

Premier Dunderdale will be accompanied by the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs, and the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. Also attending are the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development; the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation; the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works; the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services; and the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs.

“As Minister of Labrador Affairs, I am proud to be a part of a government that has Labrador as a priority, and through the Northern Strategic Plan, a clear vision for the future,” said Minister Hickey, who will deliver a keynote address during the conference banquet on Saturday, February 26. “When it was first launched, this five-year plan contained some $250 million in investments. It is now expected the strategy will see more than $650 million invested in Labrador. This increased investment clearly demonstrates that for this government, far more than any government before it, Labrador priorities are Provincial Government priorities.”

This year, the CCL Cultural Evening event will be held in the picturesque community of North West River – 33 kilometres outside of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Minister Pottle will address delegates at this event on Friday, February 25.

“I am delighted to be a part of the Cultural Evening, which I expect will be an outstanding opportunity to showcase the rich talent and cultural diversity that is unique to Labradorians,” said Minister Pottle. “These annual meetings serve as an opportunity for Provincial Government representatives to engage in dialogue with leaders to create positive change for Labrador communities. While a great deal has been achieved, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador remains committed to engaging with Labradorians as we build a brighter future for us all.”

The CCL represents 26 communities throughout Labrador. The Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs currently provides the CCL $100,000 in core funding.

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Media contacts:

Glenda Power
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
glendapower@gov.nl.ca
Milly Brown
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
709-729-4304, 631-8477
millybrown@gov.nl.ca
 
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
709-729-1674, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca
 

2011 02 24             2:00 p.m.

 
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