Minister McLean attends northern forum,
stresses importance of improving infrastructure

Ministers responsible for northern development met in Peace River, Alberta September 20-22 to participate in a conference aimed at advancing Canada�s northern regions. The two-day Northern Development Ministers Forum (NDMF) centered on the theme "Building the North", and was attended by Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ernie McLean.

Minister McLean was very pleased with the outcome of the forum. "The Northern Development Ministers Forum provides opportunities to bring forward constructive dialogue on how best to move the northern agenda forward," he said. "The forum at Peace River builds on the accomplishments of the previous two conferences, and will help create an awareness of the important issues faced by communities in northern regions throughout the country."

Minister McLean was particularly pleased that, as a result of this forum, northern regions of the country will have a stronger national voice when making the case for improved infrastructure and economic development funding.

Minister McLean, along with Manitoba�s Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Eric Robinson, presented a report, entitled Recruitment and Retention Best Practices Inventory. The report was the result of three priority projects identified during the 2001 conference at La Ronge. A senior officials working group, under the leadership of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, with partners from the Government of Manitoba, the Government of Nunavut and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, undertook the work to fulfil the priority.

During the forum, the ministers adopted a three-year action plan and discussed progress on northern initiatives across the country. The ministers also reviewed and committed to build on the three priority projects identified in 2001. In addition to documenting best practices for recruitment and retention of professionals, the projects included formulating a northern awareness enhancement campaign and preparing a strategy to increase investment in infrastructure for northern development. The ministers directed their senior officials to continue developing these projects during the coming year.

Robert D. Nault, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, also attended the conference.

Previous northern development ministers conferences were held in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador in 2000 and La Ronge, Saskatchewan in 2001. The Northern Development Ministers Forum was established at the 2001 conference. Ministers responsible for northern development will hold their next conference in September 2003 in Nunavut.

Prior to the NDMF, Minister McLean was invited to make a presentation at the Northwest Corridor Development Corporation�s annual conference in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. During his presentation, the minister provided an overview of Labrador�s transportation services.

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

2002 09 24                                   10:00 a.m.