Mr. Speaker,

I rise today to inform my colleagues in the House of Assembly that government has reached an agreement with Labrador Metis Nation (LMN) outlining the participation of the LMN in forest ecosystem management planning in Labrador. This two-year agreement formally acknowledges the LMN as a key stakeholder in the management and future development of Labrador�s forest resource. The agreement will be retroactive to April 1, 2004, and continue until March 31, 2006.

Our government realizes establishing an effective working relationship with the Labrador Metis Nation will further the advancement of sustainable forest management in Labrador. This agreement supports the development of the forest industry in Labrador and in doing so brings welcome benefits to the residents of Labrador, including the members of the Labrador Metis Nation and the communities in which they live.

Mr. Speaker,
Government will provide $200,000 in each of the two years of the agreement to assist the LMN achieve its forest management goals and objectives. This financial support will be used by the LMN to hire the professional forestry personnel needed to fulfill the LMN obligations under the forestry agreement.

As part of the agreement, government will conduct a feasibility study into the value-added and secondary forest products industry in Labrador in conjunction with local stakeholders. This important initiative will help government and the LMN identify the market potential of Labrador-based forest products.

Mr. Speaker,
I commend Todd Russell, president of the Labrador Metis Nation, for his leadership in working with government to reach this agreement. This government recognizes the Labrador Metis Nation as an important stakeholder in the forest ecosystem management process in Labrador.

Thank you.

News Release