Department continues progress in carrying out mandate

Since being established in February 2001, the Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs has made considerable strides towards carrying out its mandate of advocacy, coordination and leadership on Labrador issues. With the approval of its $3.29 million budget for 2002-2003, the department is well positioned to continue with the progress it has been able to make to date.

"We have played a key role in advancing major issues important to Labrador, particularly with respect to Aboriginal land claims, and we continue to take the lead in moving social and economic development throughout Labrador in the various resource sectors," said Minister Ernie McLean. "Government is committed to ensuring the department is able to fulfill its mandate and, as minister, I look forward to continued progress in the coming year."

One of the highlights for the department in 2001 was the June 25 signing of an Agreement-in-Principle (AIP) on land claims with the Government of Canada and the Labrador Inuit Association, setting the stage for negotiations to begin on a Final Agreement.

"This was an historic day for the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister McLean. "It represented the beginning of a new era of cooperation between the province, the federal government and the Labrador Inuit. I am confident a Final Agreement will pave the way to a bright and prosperous future for all residents of Labrador."

The department is hopeful an AIP will be initialed with the Innu Nation by the end of the year, as progress continues on land claims negotiations.

"Government has consulted, and continues to consult, with members of the public on the Innu and Inuit land claims to ensure their views are considered in the negotiation processes," said the minister.

The department has also played an active role in urging the Government of Canada to provide members of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians, as well as the Labrador M�tis Nation, with access to federal programs and services currently available to other people in the country of Aboriginal descent.

The department, along with the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, was a major advocate for Access North ~ Labrador 2002, the fifth in a series of major celebrations held by the province since 1997.

"This celebration will highlight Labrador�s tourism product, by focusing on the region�s culture, history and people," the minister said. "It will allow the re-established Destination Labrador to promote Labrador as a tourism destination by raising awareness of the region�s unique products and experiences, and it will recognize the important contribution of the Moravian Church to the people of Labrador�s North Coast over the past 250 years."

The minister said he�s pleased with the progress the department has made during the past year.

"This department is a reflection of government�s commitment to the people of Labrador," he said. "I am pleased with the amount of progress we have made as a department, and I look forward to the challenges ahead as we continue to meet our objectives and expectations."

Media contact: Bert Pomeroy, Communications, (709) 896-8668.

2002 03 21                           3:20 p.m.