NLIS 3
February 2, 2004
(Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs)

 

Ministers impressed with Labrador conference

Trevor Taylor, Minister responsible for Labrador Affairs, and Tom Rideout, Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, agree the Combined Councils of Labrador conference achieved its goal of impressing upon government the importance of Labrador issues.

The event was held in Happy Valley-Goose Bay this past weekend. Cabinet was also represented by Ed Byrne, Minister of Mines and Energy, and Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods. John Hickey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Labrador Affairs and MHA for Lake Melville, and Ross Wiseman, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and Community Services, were among the other officials in attendance. Premier Danny Williams was planning on participating, until the Prime Minister�s Office requested that he attend the First Ministers� meeting in Ottawa.

Minister Taylor gave the keynote address at the conference�s banquet, where he profiled the government�s direction on many issues relevant to Labrador. Subjects he touched upon included the future of the 5-Wing Goose Bay military base, the commitment to complete Phase III of the Trans-Labrador Highway and the importance of maintaining existing crab processing requirements in Labrador. He explained that government recognizes there are many varied needs and was forthright in saying that Labradorians must balance this with the financial situation that government finds itself in. Minister Taylor also held a number of meetings to discuss issues ranging from long-term health care to fisheries matters.

"The Combined Councils� objective of providing a forum to promote Labrador issues is alive and well," said Minister Taylor. "I was impressed by the quality of the conference and it was valuable to listen to local concerns. In particular, I was struck by the Wish Fish group�s singing of their desire for the Mealy Mountain auditorium. As I mentioned in my speech, this message has been received, and I appreciate their views."

Minister Rideout was the guest speaker at Saturday�s luncheon and provided an update on the government�s work on aboriginal issues, including negotiations with the federal government, employment for aboriginal youth and Voisey�s Bay. He agreed that the Combined Councils is a thriving organization. "I am pleased with the nature and tone of the discussions at the conference and the overall warm reception," he said. "Everyone seems to have enjoyed themselves. I know that we�re all looking forward to the 2005 conference."

Media contact:
           Alex Marland, Fisheries and Aquaculture, (709) 729-3733
           Deanne Hayward, Works, Services and Transportation, (709) 729-3015

2004 02 02                                       12:15 p.m.


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