The Honourable Tom Rideout, Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, today announced that funding has been made available for the delivery of a suicide prevention program in southeastern Labrador. The program will be administered by the Labrador Metis Nation (LMN).

"This program is certainly a positive step forward in addressing the social issues facing Aboriginal youth in this region," said Minister Rideout. "It will provide valuable suicide prevention services, and go a long way toward increasing the awareness of suicide prevention among youth and their families. This initiative is indicative of government�s commitment to ensure that social issues amongst Aboriginal youth are being addressed."

In Budget 2006, government has provided $120,000 over two years for suicide prevention initiatives. The funding is made available under the Suicide Prevention Grants Program of the Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs. A grant of $12,000 has been provided to the LMN for the delivery of this program.

"Our government is committed to meeting head on the social challenges facing Aboriginal youth," said the Honourable John Hickey, Minister responsible for Labrador Affairs. "It is essential to provide our youth with the appropriate education and tools that are necessary to deal effectively with these issues, and initiatives such as this one will go along way toward doing just that."

Labrador Metis Nation President Chris Montague said he welcomes the funding, as it will help deliver much-needed programming to Metis youth and their families. "Suicide can be prevented," he said. "Hopefully this funding will help raise awareness that help is available. I want to commend the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for taking this proactive step in helping to provide healthier communities."

The program will run for six weeks and is expected to commence in early spring.

- 30 -

2007 03 13                                                   11:15 a.m.