Hon. Tom Lush, MHA
Speaking Notes

• Thank you for the invitation to speak to you here tonight. It�s the first time I�ve had the opportunity to speak to such a diverse group of people in this "Big Land" of Labrador, and it�s a pleasure to be here.
• Since 1970, and every 10 years after that, this conference has focused on Labrador as a northern region, its distinct identity and its relationship to the circumpolar world in terms of its benefits and contributions.
• I am proud of the fact that Newfoundland and Labrador is the only province in Atlantic Canada that truly has a northern region. I�m particularly pleased to welcome our northern cousins from Norway and the Komi Republic of Russia.

• Government is committed to ensuring the people of Labrador share in the development of the region's resources. That's one of the main reasons why we created the new Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs.
• With social and economic activity reaching new levels in Labrador, we felt it was not only necessary, but appropriate, to establish this department. It will administer, co-ordinate and provide leadership for government programming in the region, and advance and assess development opportunities, funding agreements and social issues.
• The department is also responsible for negotiating, and implementing, comprehensive land-claims and self-government agreements with the Labrador Inuit and the Innu Nation. It will act as the co-ordinating agency for government in dealing with all matters of concern to Aboriginal people.
• I�d like to acknowledge the minister of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, Ernie McLean, as well as Torngat Mountains MHA Wally Andersen (Parliamentary Secretary for Aboriginal Affairs), and Cartwright-L�Anse au Clair MHA Yvonne Jones (Parliamentary Secretary to the minister of Health and Community Services - Children�s Interests).
• All three have worked tirelessly to promote Labrador�s interest, and are making sure the concerns of Labradorians are heard.

• Government is committed to finalizing land claims and self-government agreements with both the Labrador Inuit Association and the Innu Nation.
• Successful conclusion of land claims will contribute to the economic and social well-being of Aboriginal peoples, other Labradorians and Newfoundlanders.
• Therefore, it is imperative that we ensure any land claims settlement reached with the Inuit and Innu are fair to all Labradorians - aboriginal and non-aboriginal.
• During this Conference, I am told there was an engaging discussion on the topic of "Beyond Land Claims". Indeed, as Toby Andersen noted during these sessions, aboriginal issues are a part of virtually every topic discussed at Directions North this week. Everyone recognizes the need for all of us - governments, aboriginal groups, Labradorians - to work cooperatively for the future of this region.
• That is why the Province is working with the LIA to conclude a land claim agreement.
• That is why the Province is working with the Innu Nation to get land claims negotiations back on track, to help with Registration under the Indian Act, and to address the social problems facing Innu communities.
• That is why the Province is working with the Labrador Metis Nation to help them access government programs and services, and to help them achieve their community economic development objectives.
• That is why we are listening to the views of all residents of Labrador, to ensure arrangements with aboriginal groups are in the best interests of all.

• Voisey's Bay, I understand, was one of the major topics discussed this week. Earlier this month, we announced that we were interested in re-opening discussions with Inco in an attempt to get the project moving.
• We realize the importance of this project to the province, particularly to the people of Labrador. Let me be clear that we will negotiate a deal that maximizes the benefits associated with the processing of nickel concentrate to a final nickel product in this province.
• My colleague Wally Andersen has spoken very clearly, both in the House of Assembly and at this conference, about the irony of having such a rich resource in the midst of a region that has such high levels of unemployment and social problems. Voisey�s Bay can help address these problems, by providing the jobs, spin-offs and resources to improve the standard of living for north coast residents.
• The concerns, views and aspirations of the people of Northern Labrador must be considered as we attempt to move this project forward. Let me assure you - you are being heard, and you will not be forgotten. Your MHA will make sure of that. And so will Ernie McLean.

Mines and Energy

• The Department of Mines an Energy continues to document and assess the mineral potential of Labrador. It actively supports and promotes mineral exploration and development throughout the region.
• Government has also provided support to Shabogamo Mining and Exploration, which has led to the development of a new silica mine, and hopefully a smelter, in Labrador West.
• One of the most exciting mining ventures taking place in Labrador involves the Labrador Inuit. The dimension stone industry at Ten Mile Bay near Nain is the first Aboriginal owned and operated mining project in Canada. It now employs more than 60 people.
• I understand Ben Saimat and Fred Hall gave an entertaining presentation on this project at Friday�s session.
• The Labrador Inuit Development Corporation is developing a trial quarry, over the next two years, at Igiak Bay, 20 kilometres south of Nain. The project is expected to create 25 new jobs in a region that has been adversely affected by the downturn in the groundfish industry.
• LIDC is also getting into value-added processing. I understand a new stone plant will be opened in Hopedale next year that will produce a number of products using dimensional stone from their quarries.
• The province�s mining industry remains strong, mainly because of iron ore from Labrador West.
• Production of iron ore in 2000 totaled 22.3 million tonnes, the highest level since 1981 and an increase of 16.9 per cent from 1999.
• Higher commodity prices boosted the shipment value of iron ore by 17.9 per cent to over $900 million.
• $900 million - let�s put that in some context. The entire fishery of Newfoundland and Labrador, which has for centuries been the backbone of our economy, only last year exceeded a total value of $1 billion. The iron ore shipments from Labrador City and Wabush are almost as great as the value of our entire fishery. This is something that is all too often overlooked.
• Government recognizes the importance of Labrador West, and the people who live there, to the province�s economic well-being.

• Another major development that will have huge positive impacts on all of Labrador, and the province as a whole, is the Lower Churchill power project.
• This project represents a major untapped resource in Labrador, offering the opportunity to develop a significant block of competitive energy without causing major harm to Labrador's environment.
• The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has been trying to develop this resource for a number of years.
• The Lower Churchill will result in significant benefits to Labrador, including a major block of recall power to address the future, long-term energy needs for businesses and residential and industrial users in the region.
• This multi-billion dollar project will be a major employer of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and provide significant revenues to the province for years to come. We will continue to explore ways and means to move this project ahead.
• It is hard to believe that, in a region with such abundant hydro-electric resources, many communities do not have access to cheap power.
• One of Minister McLean�s priorities for his new Department is to explore how to reduce the high cost of electricity on the coast of Labrador.

• Transportation issues often dominate the public agenda in Labrador, and this has been no less true at this Conference. Government is committed to improving Labrador�s transportation needs.

• The completion of Phase I of the Trans-Labrador Highway, from Labrador City/Wabush to Happy Valley-Goose Bay, has had a significant impact on the entire region.
• Progress continues on Phase II of the road between Red Bay and Cartwright. As announced in last week�s budget, government will spend $43 million on this section of the highway this year.
• About 400 people will be directly employed during Phase II, while others will benefit from spin-off jobs. This vital section of the highway is slated to be completed in the summer of 2003.
• The road from Mary's Harbour to Red Bay was completed last fall, and access to Charlottetown, Port Hope Simpson and St. Lewis should be completed by the end of this year.
• The completion of this section of the highway will open up new opportunities in the region, by diversifying an economy that has predominately been dependent on the fishery.
• Just yesterday, the Southeastern Labrador Transportation Committee presented a report to Government on the future transportation requirements of that region after Phase II is completed.

• I wish to congratulate the Committee on its work and forward planning as we prepare for the changes the road will bring. Government intends to provide a quick response to the Committee�s recommendations.
• Government is committed to completing Phase III of the Trans-Labrador Highway, linking Happy Valley-Goose Bay to Cartwright. But we can't go it alone. We need Ottawa's support to complete this section of the road.

• Government will make strategic investments in infrastructure to support development opportunities, including improvements to the wharf in Cartwright. This will position Cartwright as a trans-shipment centre, facilitate the development of a forest products industry, and provide berthing space for fishing vessels.
• Last year, we entered into a four-year, $17.8 million contract for the MV Apollo to provide a ferry service on the Strait of Belle Isle.
• While there have been some initial problems, the Apollo has been generally well received. It is able to accommodate more travelers, tractor trailers and heavy equipment traffic.
• Government is taking steps to improve the service. We have committed $1.5 million to install a mechanical ramp at St. Barbe for the efficient loading and offloading of vehicles.
• During the peak operating months of July and August, passenger traffic increased 13 per cent in 2000, compared to 1999, while vehicle traffic - a significant portion of which was tractor trailers and heavy equipment - increased by 16 per cent.
• On the Labrador coast, services continue to be provided by the Sir Robert Bond, the Northern Ranger, the Astron and the Nada.

• A total of $6 million to improve roads in northern Labrador is part of the Northern Coastal Labrador Strategic Initiative, announced last year, for the communities of Nain, Hopedale, Makkovik, Rigolet and Postville.
• Also included in this initiative is $7.7 million for housing and $9 million for water and sewer. The initiative shows government�s commitment to try and help communities with some of the greatest needs in the province.
• Under the initiative, 65 new houses will be built and about 125 upgrades will be made to existing homes.
• Government recognizes that Labrador's long-term economic and social potential will only be realized by improving infrastructure, such as roads and water and sewer systems.

• The opening of the new $30 million Labrador Health Centre, here in Happy Valley-Goose Bay last fall, represents Government�s commitment to improving the quality of health care throughout the region.
• Many of you saw this new building for the first time on Thursday during the official launch of the Smart Labrador Initiative. The 26-bed facility provides primary acute care, general surgery, obstetrics and some pediatric services.
• I should also note Inco�s contribution as full partners in this project. They have demonstrated they can be good corporate citizens.
• As announced in this year�s budget, a viable housing option for seniors in southeastern Labrador, to be operated by the Battle Harbour Assisted Living Corporation, will be established in Mary's Harbour, as a result of a $1.4 million contribution from government.
• The facility will provide the area's aging population with the option of staying in their home community, rather than moving outside of the area.
• I also want to recognize the support of Dr. Elliott Miller and the International Grenfell Association for their contribution in getting this project started, as well as their overall commitment to improving health care in northern Newfoundland and Labrador.
• The Forteau Community Health Centre will be expanded this year to provide additional chronic care accommodations for the elderly.
• A new nursing clinic will be opened in Natuashish (Sango Bay) to replace the existing facility in Davis Inlet.
• Capital funding will be provided by the federal government with ongoing operational costs supported by the province. Health Labrador Corporation has entered into a similar arrangement with the Band Council in Sheshatshiu and the new clinic there.
• The Captain William Jackman Memorial Hospital in Labrador City will undergo renovations to its birthing suite, and will also see its old nursery converted into a modern tub room. Renovations will eventually be carried out at the facility�s laboratory.
• New mammography equipment has also been placed at Labrador Health Centre and Captain William Jackman Memorial Hospital. The equipment was purchased with funds raised through community-based groups and will be operated and maintained by hospital staff.

• Government is committed to building a new Grade 7 to Level III school in Happy Valley-Goose Bay that suits the needs of the community. Concerns have been raised, and they have been heard. The new Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs is working with the Department of Education and the Labrador School Board to find a solution.
• Children and teaching staff in Hopedale, Rigolet, Nain and Norman Bay are enjoying the benefits of new schools. But what about after high school?
• Government is sensitive to the needs of students living in rural, isolated communities in our province when it comes to furthering their education beyond high school.
• For students, affordability is a critical element of educational opportunities.
• Over the past two years, we have provided funding so that Memorial University and the College of the North Atlantic could implement a tuition freeze.
• Tuition fees at Memorial are already the lowest in Atlantic Canada.
• This year we are providing $3.3 million in additional funding to MUN to enable a 10 per cent reduction in tuition for the new academic year commencing in September.
• Funding will be provided to enable students at the Faculty of Medicine, the Marine Institute and the College of the North Atlantic to continue to benefit from the tuition freeze.
• Our public college fees, already substantially lower than Memorial, are the second lowest in Atlantic Canada.
• Too many students graduate with debt levels that place a great burden on their futures. We already spend $6.1 million annually to assist students with high debt loads who successfully complete their academic programs on time.
• The Student Aid Review Advisory Committee will be making recommendations for our consideration later this year. We have to take time to consider this issue in consultation with stakeholders and plan to come forward with further relief measures in due course.
• This will require reform of the Student Aid Program. We will also press the federal government to initiate similar student loan reforms.
• These revisions will take into account the specific challenges faced by students who must leave their communities in order to pursue a post-secondary education and who commonly have higher debt levels.
• Dr. Axel Meisen of Memorial University, I am told, spoke eloquently on the challenges facing rural students of post-secondary institutions. He is providing leadership on this and other issues.
• During the Directions North Conference, many participants expressed their desire for more and more relevant education and research for Labrador.
• I am therefore pleased to announce, on behalf of the Premier, an annual grant of $100,000 will be given to the University to create the position of Labrador Associate at its Labrador Institute. This position will bring to bear the University�s scholarly capabilities on the needs and opportunities of the people of Labrador.

• With projects like Voisey�s Bay and the Lower Churchill on the horizon, the College of the North Atlantic is playing a leadership role in meeting the needs of industry and to preparing people for potential job opportunities in the region.
• An example of this leadership is the new Provincial Mining Technology Centre, located at the Labrador West campus.
• Originally designed to offer workplace training and upgrading for those employed in the mining industry, the centre recently expanded to house the new three-year Mining and Mineral Processing program, "Employee of the Future Program", to ensure the renewal of a skilled mining labour force as current employees reach retirement.
• The centre was funded by the college, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Canada-Newfoundland Labour Market Development Association and by in-kind donations from the Iron Ore Company of Canada.
• The college provides diverse training for the wide-ranging demands of the region's resource-based industries. By forming partnerships with government, industry and the community, the college continues to offer courses designed to meet the needs of the mining, fishing, forestry, tourism and road construction industries, among others.

• Bob Simms of the College spoke today about the need to address shortfalls regarding the recruitment and retention of professionals in Labrador, particularly as it relates to teachers, doctors, nurses and social workers.
• Government recognizes the importance of filling these positions, and efforts are ongoing to address the problem, such as incentives for attracting nurses and teachers. This is a priority for Minister McLean and his new Department, who will take a lead role in developing a plan of action.

• The province has taken positive steps towards expanding the fish processing sector in the region to ensure fish products landed in Labrador are processed in Labrador.
• Last year, government, through the FRAM-ED federal-provincial cost-shared agreement, helped provide some $300,000 to improve the water supply to the Black Tickle fish plant. This enabled a private company, Labrador Sea Products, to turn the former groundfish plant into a modern crab-processing facility.
• The initiative created badly needed jobs in one of the areas most affected by the downturn in the groundfishery.
• Similarly, about $2.3 million was provided under a federal-provincial agreement to improve the water supply at Charlottetown, to allow a new shrimp plant to open there next month, eventually employing about 120 workers.
• One of the key issues for the development of the fishery in coastal Labrador is access to fish resources off the coast. The Province supports the principle of adjacency in the allocation of those resources. We will continue to lobby the federal government to ensure stocks off Labrador are harvested and processed to the benefit of people in Labrador.

• The single greatest source of underutilized timber in the province is in Labrador.
• Government will actively pursue development of a forest products industry in Labrador in consultation with local communities and Aboriginal groups. Development will proceed in a manner which provides maximum economic and employment benefits to Labrador residents.
• Priority will be given to private sector sawmill development opportunities along the southeast coast of Labrador.
• And emphasis will also be given to industry development opportunities in the Goose Bay area through a recently signed forest management and development MOU with the Innu Nation.

• With major investments in infrastructure, like construction of the Trans-Labrador Highway and development of a winter snowmobile trail system, Labrador's tourism industry is poised for significant growth. Snowmobile trails were a hot topic at the Conference, and some of you may have had an opportunity to enjoy a snowmobile ride during what was a large Labrador day today.
• Phase I of the plan to develop a snowmobile trail system in Labrador is being completed at a cost of $3.5 million. An additional $2 million was recently announced for Phase II.
• Upon completion of Phase II, there will be an integrated trail system that will connect all regions within Labrador and allow access to the Quebec system.
• This network of snowmobile trails, which falls under the direction of the Labrador Winter Trails Inc., is the basis for the development of a new snowmobile tourism industry. Labrador Winter Trails Inc. should be commended for the progress it has been able to make to develop this industry in the region.
• The five Labrador tourism associations have come together and reactivated Destination Labrador.
• In the early 1990s, Destination Labrador played a key role in raising Labrador�s profile. The new organization will focus on destination planning, product development, regional marketing and inter-agency communication.
• Dr. Hans Rollmann gave an entertaining speech on Thursday on the history of the Moravian Church on the north coast. Next year will be the 250^th anniversary of the arrival of the Moravians in Labrador. In connection with that, and with your support and input, we will be planning a major celebration in 2002 that will focus on Labrador.

• In a few short weeks, the skies over Happy Valley-Goose Bay will once again be filled with activity with the start of the 2001 low-level flying season.
• Government is committed to ensure the continued development of military training at Canadian Forces Base Goose Bay.
• A ministerial committee was formed last year to help in the development of the military training product. Since then, several provincial ministers, including myself, and officials have held numerous meetings with the Department of National Defence (DND) in an effort to enhance current training activities at the base, and to discuss new military training opportunities in the region.
• The base has a huge positive impact on the province�s economy, with low-level flying contributing over $90 million to the Gross Domestic Product in 1999.
• Planned upgrading by the federal government, including a new airfield lighting system to replace an old and outdated one, is welcome news.
• Last year, the Italian Air Force joined Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands in conducting long-term military flight training at the base.
• This year, we�re pleased and excited to welcome the French Air Force, which will, for the first time, conduct low-level exercises utilizing Mirage 2000 fighter jets.
• As well, Belgium and Norway will participate in the F-16 Fighter Weapons Training Program being conducted by the Royal Netherlands Air Force.
• The province will continue to work with DND and the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay to attract additional Allies to Labrador.

• As noted in the budget, there are several initiatives of particular relevance to Labrador.
• There is $800,000 for incentive bonuses to attract teachers to coastal Labrador communities.
• Funding has been set aside for the province to participate in the national Aboriginal Cadet Development Program, which would see aboriginal youth receive skills upgrading as preparation for RCMP training.
• The Labrador Travel Subsidy was increased by $180,000 in the middle of the last fiscal year. Government has decided to maintain the subsidy at its new level of $427,000, permitting students living in Labrador to increase their participation in athletic tournaments throughout the province.

• Government is committed to ensuring the people of Labrador are the first to benefit from the region�s resources.
• The successful conclusion of land claims will open the door to future economic developments and opportunities.
• Government, the Combined Councils, Regional Economic Development Boards, aboriginal and community groups must continue to work together for the betterment of Labrador and its people.