The Honourable Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, says the visit to Nunavut was very productive and that opportunities for cooperation were identified in numerous sectors of the economy, including the seal fishery, transportation and forest resources.

"It is clear that the Nunavut Territory has a strong dependence on the seal fishery, as do the Inuit of Labrador and our province in general," said Minister Rideout. "The Government of Nunavut is currently preparing its own sealing strategy, with an overall goal to maximize the economic opportunities for its communities through a strategy that is consistent with the principles of sustainability, whole animal use and humane harvesting methods. Furthermore, one of the objectives of that strategy is to continue to educate the public about how important sealing is economically, socially and culturally. These are clear goals for our province, and it was a tremendous opportunity to share ideas, and discuss the beginnings of an alliance between all three governments on this particular matter."

Following a presentation on Nunavut�s new sealing strategy, the Provincial Government outlined the work that is currently being completed on a Newfoundland and Labrador sealing communications strategy. The Nunatsiavut Government also reconfirmed the importance of the seal fishery from a commercial and subsistance point of view to the Inuit of Labrador.

The Honourable Tony Andersen First Minister of the Nunatsiavut Government stated that the Nunatsiavut delegation found these meetings to be very productive and useful in terms of issues related to transportation, tourism and seals. He further indicated that he hopes that this is the beginning of a formalized relationship with the Inuit partners.

The Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister responsible for Labrador Affairs, provided an update on the Labrador Transportation Strategy to the Nunavut delegation, as well as other transportation initiatives ongoing in Labrador.

"The potential for strong air and marine linkages between Labrador and Nunavut is tremendous, and many productive discussions were held on this matter," said Minister Hickey. "Shipping and flying times to Iqaluit are much shorter from Labrador than they are from urban centres in Western and Central Canada. Such linkages would bode well for establishing new trade corridors between Labrador and Nunavut and would enhance the tourism opportunities in both regions. Our government is open to sitting down with any airline or shipping company to promote these benefits."

Also in Iqaluit, a representative of the Department of Natural Resources outlined the Provincial Government�s efforts to build Labrador�s secondary manufacturing and value added wood products industry. "The proximity of Nunavut and Labrador makes the territory a strong market for Labrador wood products. This became particularly apparent when we were given a glimpse of Nunavut�s housing development plan, which outlines the current need for housing in the territory." said Minister Rideout. "We will continue to explore this market as we continue with our commitment to build the forest resources industry in Labrador."

Minister Rideout says the visit to Nunavut is only the beginning of what he hopes will be a continued dialogue between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Nunatsiavut Government and the Government of Nunavut.

The minister indicated that he plans to invite Nunavut Premier the Honourable Paul Okalik and his officials to the province during Expo Labrador 2007 in June to showcase to the territory the massive resource opportunities in the region and to follow up on the discussions held this week.

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2007 02 23                                                   10:25 a.m.