Executive Council
Transportation and Works
August 19, 2016
Recognizing Our Province’s Heritage
Premier Ball Participates in Labrador Flag Raising at Border Crossing
The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, took part in a ceremony in Labrador West today to celebrate and raise the Labrador flag at the Quebec-Labrador border. Premier Ball was joined by Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, and Graham Letto, MHA for Labrador West.
“I am very pleased to be here today with my colleagues to acknowledge the presence of the Labrador flag at both Labrador and Quebec border crossings. This region of our province offers many unique perspectives, many of which are embodied in the Labrador flag. The flag is instantly recognizable and highlights the distinctiveness of this land and the culture of its people.”
- The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
Simultaneously, the Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Transportation and Works, along with Lisa Dempster, MHA for Cartwright - L’Anse au Clair, held an event at the Labrador-Quebec border in Southern Labrador.
“It is an honour to join with Labradorians as we raise the Labrador flag. Residents of Labrador strongly identify with their flag and what it represents. The creation and symbolism of the Labrador flag is an important piece of Labrador’s history which we acknowledge today.”
- The Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Transportation and Works
In 1973, the Member of the House of Assembly for Labrador South, Michael S. Martin, decided to mark the 25th anniversary of Confederation by creating a flag for Labrador. Today the flag continues to be influential and significant in celebrating Labrador’s heritage.
“As a proud Labradorian, I am delighted that we have recognized the significance of our Labrador flag and that it has taken its rightful place at our Labrador border entries to the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Labradorians take tremendous pride in their flag which is an important symbol of their heritage and culture.”
- Graham Letto, MHA, Labrador West
The Labrador flag is composed of three colours; white to represent snow, blue to represent water and green to represent the land. The twig represents the past and future of Labrador and the branches represent the three founding nations.
“As an Inuit-Metis person from southern Labrador the raising of our flag fills me with pride. Our long history, our strong connection to the land and sea and our bright future are all reflected in our flag. As a symbol of unity and common purpose the flag recognizes the aboriginal and non-aboriginal people of Labrador, who together have built this place we call home. I want to thank our government for honoring us in this way. This is a proud day for Labrador.”
- Lisa Dempster, MHA, Cartwright - L’Anse au Clair
The Labrador flag has been flown at both Labrador and Quebec border crossings, alongside the official provincial flag, the Canadian flag and the Union Jack since fall 2015.
QUICK FACTS
- Events were held at both Labrador-Quebec border crossings today by the Provincial Government to honour the Labrador flag.
- Premier Dwight Ball was joined by MP Yvonne Jones and MHA Graham Letto in Labrador West and Minister Al Hawkins was joined by MHA Lisa Dempster in Labrador South.
- The Labrador flag was created in 1973 by MHA Michael S. Martin to mark the 25th anniversary of joining Canada.
- The Labrador flag has been flown at both border crossings since fall 2015.
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Media contact:
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Michelle Cannizzaro Media Relations Manager Office of the Premier 709-729-3960 michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca |
Blair Medd Director of Communications Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015, 631-8465 blairmedd@gov.nl.ca |
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Sabrina Hunt Constituency Assistant to Graham Letto MHA for Labrador West 709-944-4881 sabrinahunt@gov.nl.ca |
Michelle Ryland Constituency Assistant to Lisa Dempster MHA for Cartwright - L’Anse au Clair 709-931-2118 |
2016 08 19 1:45 p.m.