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

Cabinet Ministers Meet with the Combined Councils of Labrador

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform Honourable Members that the Combined Councils of Labrador have travelled to St. John’s this week to hold a series of meetings with Provincial Cabinet Ministers.

The Combined Councils of Labrador represents 26 communities throughout Labrador and as many municipalities are isolated, it can be challenging for community leaders to meet and discuss issues related to Labrador. The Provincial Government continues to financially support the Combined Councils of Labrador by way of an annual operating grant of $100,000 through Labrador Affairs. This funding enables Labrador’s communities to come together and address matters of mutual concern.

Our government maintains a strong working relationship with the Combined Councils of Labrador. As Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, I am pleased to report that my meetings with the group this week were very productive and I have heard the same feedback from my Cabinet colleagues. Specifically, Ministers of Advanced Education and Skills; Child, Youth and Family Services; Environment and Conservation; Fisheries and Aquaculture; Health and Community Services; Innovation, Business and Rural Development; Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs; and, Natural Resources concur that meetings were valuable.

Community prosperity, improved communications with government, better services and transportation networks, economic growth and a sustainable future for the people of Labrador continue to be high priorities for the Combined Councils of Labrador.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to share the vision of the Combined Councils, and we are committed to advancing growth and prosperity in the region.

Since 2004, the needs and opportunities in Labrador have remained a provincial priority. Investments have been made to improve the health and well-being of all Labradorians through expanding infrastructure, improving the delivery of programs and services, and encouraging economic prosperity. Total spending in Labrador has exceeded $4 billion since 2004 including more than $500 million to build the Trans Labrador Highway.

Mr. Speaker, our province is stronger as Labrador advances and we will continue to work with the Combined Councils of Labrador to ensure steady growth and success.

2013 12 04                                     2:10 p.m.