Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
June 14, 2017

Central Labrador Business and Tourism Projects Receive Support

With support from the Federal and Provincial Governments, organizations in Happy Valley-Goose Bay are advancing business and tourism development in the region. Healthy Waters Labrador Inc. will continue its work to transform Birch Island into an eco-tourism site and the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce will host Expo Labrador 2017 this week.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador invested $317,000 towards the Healthy Waters Labrador Inc. project through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation’s Regional Development Fund. In an address to Expo Labrador 2017 delegates last night, Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, announced investments of $438,980 for Healthy Waters Labrador Inc., as well as $15,000 for the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce.

Healthy Waters Labrador Inc. is a not-for-profit organization committed to the stewardship of the lakes, rivers and wetlands that make up the watersheds in central Labrador. These investments will enable the organization, in partnership with the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, to undertake phase two of restoring the stream and wetland habitat on Birch Island to a near-natural state for habitat and waterfowl protection, interpretation and promotion of the region’s history. Healthy Waters Labrador Inc. will also install new boardwalks, viewing decks, footbridges, an outdoor classroom facility and habitat enhancements to make the site a welcoming attraction for both residents and visitors.

The Labrador North Chamber of Commerce is marketing and hosting Expo Labrador 2017, an event focused on fostering partnerships and innovation in resource development, tourism, culture and transportation in the region. The theme of this year’s event, which is taking place June 12-15, is Connect. Collaborate. Innovate.

Quotes
“The investment of over $317,000 will assist Healthy Waters Labrador Inc. in its efforts to rehabilitate Birch Island and provide further opportunities for tourism development. As guided by The Way Forward, our government will continue to improve outcomes to promote a healthy and prosperous Newfoundland and Labrador. We will continue to foster a climate that is conducive to economic diversification, one where communities flourish, and the business and tourism industries are empowered."
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

"Our government recognizes the importance of tourism and business development for Canada’s economy and is working with communities to help grow industries with strong potential, such as tourism. Through investments in community-based projects, we are working with partners such as Healthy Waters Labrador Inc. and the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce to support a vibrant and growing business community in Central Labrador.”
Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Tourism supports a significant number of jobs in communities across Canada and the Government of Canada is committed to promoting increased tourism and business development in this region. These investments will help restore and reinvigorate the natural landscape of Birch Island as an eco-tourism attraction and also support networking and partnership opportunities in Central Labrador.”
Yvonne Jones
Member of Parliament, Labrador

“Establishing Birch Island as a conservation area will provide significant value for residents of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and for visitors. I am pleased to see this initiative expand through strong intergovernmental cooperation at the federal, provincial, municipal, and community levels.”
Honourable Perry Trimper,
Minister of Service NL, and MHA for Lake Melville

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Learn More
Healthy Waters Labrador Inc. - www.healthywaterslabrador.ca External Link

Labrador North Chamber of Commerce - https://www.chamberlabrador.com External Link

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL External Link and @TCII_GovNL External Link

Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca

Paul McGrath
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca

Brandon Pardy
Legislation/communications for
Yvonne Jones, MP for Labrador
613-222-1735
Yvonne.jones.c1@parl.gc.ca 

Bonnie Learning
Constituency Assistant to the
Honourable Perry Trimper, MHA for Lake Melville
709-896-7975
bonnielearning@gov.nl.ca 

2017 06 14                             4:30 p.m.