NLIS 8
March 8, 2005
(Executive Council)
Premier and Cabinet announce
$56 million in funding for Labrador initiatives
Premier Danny Williams today announced a
number of key initiatives as part of the provincial government�s commitment
to the continuing development, diversification and well-being of Labrador.
Projects and initiatives announced today represent a total funding
commitment of $56 million. Premier Williams was joined at the announcement
by Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for
Aboriginal Affairs, Tom Rideout and Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, Trevor Taylor.
The Premier and his Cabinet have been meeting in Labrador for the past two
days, and met today with the mayors and leaders from over 30 communities
throughout Labrador.
�We had a productive meeting with Labrador�s community leaders, and I look
forward to working with these leaders in the future to address the needs and
opportunities in the region,� said Premier Williams. �We were pleased to
share with these community leaders new funding for a number of initiatives
that have been identified as priorities by Labradorians through our ongoing
consultations and dialogue. Specifically, I visited the North Coast of
Labrador this summer and was struck by the number of needs identified by our
aboriginal peoples. I made a commitment to them that our government would
address these needs and, today, we are pleased to do exactly that. Our
government recognizes the pivotal role that Labrador plays in the future
well-being of our province, and we continue to make major strides in
generating resource benefits, employment and infrastructure improvements
that are improving the lives of all Labradorians.�
The premier also outlined a number of important initiatives government has
made in Labrador since taking office.
�The strategic investments we have made in transportation and municipal
infrastructure, agrifoods and forest research, and business diversification
have strengthened Labrador�s positioning for long-term economic growth,�
said Premier Williams. �Increased funding for child protection, justice and
community services has done much to enhance the health, safety and
well-being of Labradorians. We continue as a government to be committed to
Labrador, not just in word, but in action. Our considerable efforts to date
reflect that commitment.�
Tom Rideout, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, said government�s
work with aboriginal groups has advanced aspirations for greater
self-reliance. �The land claims, land transfer and economic benefits
agreements signed this past January in Nain provide a sound foundation for
the Labrador Inuit to receive sustainable, long-term benefits from the
resources these agreements bestow,� Minister Rideout said. �We have also
agreed to extend the federal-provincial Inuit Communities Agreement that
locks in $13 million for community infrastructure, development, education
and housing.�
Trevor Taylor, Minister responsible for Labrador Affairs, said that
government is proud of its achievements in Labrador and will continue to
identify and act on future needs and opportunities. �We�ve made a good start
by ensuring that Labrador is fully included in the province�s social,
economic and political dialogue,� said Minister Taylor. �We�re going to
continue to work with Labradorians to generate new opportunities that will
benefit its people, communities and economy.�
Premier Williams said his government is building on its achievements.
�Today I am announcing a 2005-06 investment of $56 million to improve access
to health services, strengthen aboriginal communities, build and repair
infrastructure and expand economic opportunities,� he said. �This is the
strongest signal yet that government intends to see Labrador thrive and
prosper, and to see Labradorians enjoy the same standard of living enjoyed
by residents living on the Island.� The premier indicated this does not
preclude potential further announcements in Budget 2005.
Specific initiatives announced today include:
- $167,000 for Labrador West residents who
have to travel to Goose Bay for medical care;
- $200,000 for a needs assessment to
address physical infrastructure issues at Captain William Jackman
Hospital in Labrador City;
- $100,000 to support fetal alcohol
syndrome prevention programs offered by the Labrador FASD Advisory
Committee and Labrador-Grenfell RIHA;
- $250,000 to permanently hire three
additional social workers to serve Natuashish and nearby aboriginal
communities;
- $70,000 to reopen the Shushepishipan
Group Home;
- $400,000 for family resource projects
and other projects to help protect and empower aboriginal women and
their families;
- $40 million for continued work on the
Trans Labrador Highway;
- Completion of a performance evaluation
of the 15 kilometres of chip-seal road surface laid in 2004;
- $750,000 for a new highway maintenance
depot in the Red Bay-Lodge Bay area to house specialized snow clearing
equipment;
- $13.3 million investment in essential
major infrastructure projects under the Municipal Capital Works Program,
the Multi-Year Capital Works Program, the Canada/ Newfoundland and
Labrador Infrastructure Program and the Canada/ Newfoundland and
Labrador Inuit Communities Agreement;
- $300,000 over three years to help
promote Labrador as a tourism destination through the Destination
Labrador program;
- $500,000 to support the 2006 Labrador
Winter Games;
- Creation of a new senior government
position and supports in Labrador West within the Department of Natural
Resources to serve Labrador�s mining, agricultural and energy sectors,
with a total cost of $250,000;
- Establishment of a branch of the
Premier�s Office in Happy Valley-Goose Bay to ensure a direct conduit
between Labrador and the premier on the priorities, views and concerns
of Labradorians.
Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of
the Premier, (709) 729-3960 or (709) 690-5500,
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca
Backgrounder - Announcement of initiatives based on the strategic
priorities of Labrador
Backgrounder - Government Accomplishments to date
2005 03 08
3:45 p.m.
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