Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
Natural Resources
June 20, 2008

Development Opportunities to be Showcased at Expo Labrador

Expo Labrador will bring together governments, industry leaders and delegates from all over Canada to Happy Valley-Goose Bay, June 22�25, to showcase their products, services, and share ideas on the future development of Labrador.

"Expo Labrador is the premier conference and trade exhibition in Labrador and this is an outstanding opportunity to showcase the vast potential in natural resources development that is available in the region," said the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs. "The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is a strong advocate for development and will continue to invest in trade shows such as Expo Labrador to ensure prosperity is advanced for all."

Minister Hickey will be the keynote speaker at a luncheon to take place at the Royal Canadian Legion, Tuesday, June 24, at noon.

Expo Labrador is organized by an incorporated committee under the direction of the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce (LNCC) with representation from the Provincial Government and industry and community stakeholders.

"The LNCC is a strong voice for business in the Lake Melville Region and supports business and trade development within Labrador, Northern Canada and abroad," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "The Provincial Government is pleased to support the 2008 Expo Labrador conference and trade exhibition with a $20,000 investment. This is a valuable venue for local exhibitors to showcase their businesses and connects them with industry leaders."

"Expo Labrador is an excellent venue to celebrate the resource industries and future potential in Labrador, as well as for local suppliers and service providers to make important connections with companies that are investing and doing business in the region," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources. "With 95 per cent of the province's mineral shipments coming from Labrador and 60 per cent of exploration expenditures going into Labrador, it's clear the resource industries will continue to provide significant benefit to the people of Labrador for a long time to come. As a government, we are committed to sustainable resource development that ensures the maximum benefit for the people of Labrador and the province."

Expo Labrador 2008 continues to build on the successes of its predecessor, Voisey�s Bay and Beyond Trade Show. Minister Hickey noted Expo Labrador is now in its third year and the theme for this year�s conference is Shaping Development Through Established Foundations.

"Labrador does indeed have a strong and established foundation," said Minister Hickey. "The Aboriginal peoples and settlers who have been here for generations have a deep connection with the past. Expo Labrador 2008 has proven that Labrador is the place to invest and it will contribute greatly to the changing shape of development in Newfoundland and Labrador."

Funding for Expo Labrador was provided through the Provincial Government's $5-million Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund (RSDF). Administered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, RSDF provides non-repayable contributions to economic development groups for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
709-729-1674, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca  
Tracy Barron
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 690-8241
tracybarron@gov.nl.ca
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural
Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca
 

2008 06 20                                                      10:15 a.m.

 


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement