Minister reflects on issues facing Labrador and aboriginal people

Tom Rideout, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister of Transportation and Works, spent the past week in Labrador. Joining Minister Rideout were John Hickey, MHA for Lake Melville district, and officials from both the departments of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, and Transportation and Works. This followed a visit by Premier Danny Williams to the region only a week before.

"The visit to Labrador was an excellent opportunity for me, as minister, to hear first-hand the concerns of the people of Labrador in relation to transportation, as well as the concerns of aboriginal people in the region," said Minister Rideout.

During the visit to Labrador, the delegation visited Nain, Natuashish, Hopedale, Postville, Makkovik, Rigolet, North West River and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The delegation met with the Sheshatshiu Innu Band Council, the Innu Nation, the Labrador Inuit Association, the Mushuau Innu First Nation, and seven town councils located throughout the region. Other highlights included taking a helicopter tour of the route for Phase III of the Trans Labrador Highway, a tour of the Makkovik fish plant, a visit to the Post Mill forest operations at Postville and a visit to the Voisey�s Bay site.

Of the region the minister said, "Every time I visit Labrador I am struck not only by the beauty of the largely untouched wilderness, but also by the warm welcome I receive from all the wonderful people I have the privilege to meet.

"After meeting with representatives of Labrador�s Innu and Inuit, I continue to be absolutely committed to working productively with them and the federal government, to improve the quality of life for aboriginal persons in this province. I am confident we will be able to work together constructively, for the betterment of aboriginal communities and the region of Labrador."

Some issues brought to the attention of the minister were the high cost of living in Labrador, including the cost of passenger transportation and freight. A significant amount of time was spent discussing issues related to the Labrador marine service. "We discussed government�s commitment to providing quality transportation infrastructure to the people of Labrador. Ferry services are a key part of that infrastructure and will continue to be top of mind within our department."

Minister Rideout said, "The goal of this government is to achieve economic health for the province. Building the economic health of Labrador is a key part of that plan. We are building a strong foundation that will enable all regions of the province to achieve their enormous potential. From what I have seen during my visit to Labrador, the potential there is certainly enormous.

"Government will continue to address the needs of Labrador, and infrastructure needs throughout the province, in the infrastructure strategy we will be developing. As we move forward with implementing the strategy, our investments will be made where they will have the most positive impact for all regions of the province. We look forward to working with all stakeholders in Labrador to make this vision a reality."

Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, Communications, (709) 729-3015

2004 08 24                                      10:55 a.m.