The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs:

Northern Strategic Plan Continues to Focus on Priorities for Labrador

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide an update on the status of the Northern Strategic Plan for Labrador. This dynamic, multi-faceted, cross-departmental strategy is considered a living document that has evolved with the changing needs of Labradorians.

The Northern Strategic Plan for Labrador was launched in 2007. It demonstrates government’s focused commitment to improve the health and well-being of all Labradorians through expanding infrastructure, improving the delivery of program and services, and encouraging economic prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, at its inception, the Northern Strategic Plan had an initial investment of $250 million with 145 commitments. However, our government continued to build on the plan and as a result, since 2007, approximately $630 million has been invested in Labrador to support 235 commitments.

There have been several major accomplishments since the Northern Strategic Plan’s inception. Most notable would include a new hospital and a new College of the North Atlantic campus in Labrador West, the opening of Phase III of the Trans Labrador Highway, new schools in Port Hope Simpson and L’Anse au Loup, a francophone school in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, a year-round ferry service between Labrador and the Island across the Strait of Belle Isle, and electricity subsidies for coastal Labrador.

Mr. Speaker, government has made Labrador’s needs and opportunities a provincial priority and by the end of this current fiscal year, we will have spent more than $3 billion overall in Labrador since our first budget in 2004.

The Northern Strategic Plan has been a huge success with unprecedented spending in Labrador. We will continue to engage the people of Labrador in meaningful discussions on this plan, Labrador’s plan, to strengthen the social and economic future for all Labradorians.

2012 03 21             2:20 p.m.