Considering the geographic proximity and similar cultural landscapes of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nunavut, a provincial delegation is heading to Nunavut to explore opportunities for both jurisdictions to achieve cooperation and partnerships in various economic development initiatives.

The Honourable Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, along with the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister responsible for Labrador Affairs, will lead the delegation on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The ministers will be joined by Tony Andersen, Minister of Nunatsiavut Affairs; William Barbour, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources; and Ben Ponniuk, Minister of Education and Economic Development for the Nunatsiavut Government. Senior officials of both governments will also attend, as well as a marketing representative of the Marine Institute.

"Premier Okalik and I have discussed the possibility of holding this meeting for some time now," said Minister Rideout. "I am pleased to now be pursuing this opportunity to enhance our working relationship with the Government of Nunavut, as well as with the Nunatsiavut Government and the Inuit of Labrador."

The delegation will travel to Iqaluit, Nunavut, on Monday, February 19, to discuss potential alliances in the areas of transportation, the seal fishery, housing and forest resources and other various economic development initiatives with Premier Paul Okalik of Nunavut and other government officials.

"I am looking forward to this tremendous opportunity for both governments to share strategic development opportunities with the Government of Nunavut and potentially forge important alliances in areas of mutual interest," said Minister Rideout. "Both jurisdictions share similar challenges, and cooperation in areas such as transportation infrastructure can be beneficial in numerous areas, including access to federal funding. Furthermore, a combined effort in addressing the criticisms of our annual seal harvest can go along way toward correcting any and all misleading information."

"Through this visit, our government will explore possible transportation linkages with Nunavut which would potentially open up various trade corridors, along with new business opportunities between Labrador, Nunavut and other northern jurisdictions," said Minister Hickey. "Of all the common barriers between our two regions, transportation is arguably the most prominent, so it is imperative we take this opportunity to discuss how we can clear these hurdles."

"I am looking forward to discussing important issues such as the seal fishery, housing, transportation and other economic development opportunities with our Inuit neighbours and partners," said Minister Andersen. "Such meetings will only encourage and strengthen current and future initiatives."

- 30 -

Media contacts: