Budget 2009 provides a more than $135 million investment in Labrador through the Northern Strategic Plan (NSP), reaffirming the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador�s commitment to improve the health and well-being of all Labradorians.

"This government continues to invest in Labrador and its people like no other government in history," said the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs. "In the face of challenging economic times, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is forging ahead and making smart, strategic investments in Labrador and its people."

This investment builds upon the strong foundation supported by the NSP, currently entering its third year. It is expected more than $400 million will be spent over the course of the five-year plan. The NSP identifies a wide range of initiatives dedicated to advancing programs and services throughout Labrador. It will continue to evolve as the needs of the communities of Labrador are addressed.

"Through implementing the Northern Strategic Plan for Labrador, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is continuing a successful track record of strategic investment that will improve the lives of Labradorians and contribute to economic and social development," said the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. "This government recognizes that Labrador priorities are provincial priorities. These investments will ensure our success in years to come while meeting the challenges of today head-on."

Within the Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, Budget 2009 investments include:

The NSP is a living document, updated regularly to adjust to changes in demography, technology, society and the economy. Crafted with the benefit of extensive public consultation and input, the NSP is further supplemented by extensive cross-departmental efforts within government. The following investments, under various government departments, including those featured in other budget announcements, show a clear commitment to the betterment of Labrador communities.

As part of an $800 million infrastructure package announced February 18, the Provincial Government will make substantial investments in Labrador through initiatives by the Department of Transportation and Works. The Trans Labrador Highway (TLH) continues to be a major priority for the Provincial Government, with just over $58 million in provincial funding, in addition to a federal investment of $26.5 million, to complete construction of Phase III and to continue widening and hard-surfacing of Phase I. Other highlights include $4 million towards construction of new transportation depots at Cartwright Junction and Crooks Lake and $1 million for building alteration projects for various government buildings throughout Labrador.

"The Provincial Government continues to aggressively advance significant infrastructure investments in Labrador," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Transportation and Works. "The Northern Strategic Plan, our recent economic stimulus plan and Budget 2009 are all examples of the unprecedented funding focus this government has put on invigorating Labrador infrastructure."

Justice
Key investments include:

"The Department of Justice has made a significant investment in both the people and infrastructure of Labrador," said the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Justice and Attorney General. "This budget demonstrates what can be accomplished when we work together toward the same goals, such as improved access to justice for Aboriginal peoples. I look forward to the continuation of the strong relationship which has been built between our government and the people of Labrador, particularly regarding the administration of justice."

The Provincial Government is responsible for the assessment and remediation of government-owned contaminated sites in the province. These sites contain contaminants　that exceed acceptable levels and government is committed to the remediation of these areas. Budget 2009 includes $1.85 million for further assessment and remediation efforts in Hopedale and Northwest Point, Labrador.

The forest industry is vital to the economy of rural Newfoundland and Labrador. This importance is reflected in Budget 2009 as government continues to invest in the Labrador forest industry through its Forest Protection Program. The Forestry and Agrifoods Agency will lead the Capital Resource Roads Program which helps industry access valuable timber with two kilometres of new roads proposed and planned in Forest Management District 19 near Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and two kilometres in Forest Management District 21 near Port Hope Simpson, along with road reconstruction and maintenance on some existing roads in Labrador. Under the Provincial Government�s Silviculture Program, the agency will conduct 100 hectares of pre-commercial thinning in Forest Management District 19 near Happy Valley-Goose Bay and 190 hectares of planting in Forest Management District 21 near Port Hope Simpson.

Fire and Emergency Services Newfoundland and Labrador will staff a new Fire Protection Officer position in Labrador. FES-NL will begin to recruit this position and open a satellite office in Labrador in 2009.

Recognizing the importance of further enhancing the services provided by FES-NL throughout the Labrador portion of the province, the new Fire Protection Officer will act as the primary contact for municipalities, fire departments and other fire and emergency partners and stakeholders to carry out various responsibilities related to services Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador provides.

Budget 2009 is providing a grant of $60,000 to the Rigolet Partnership Against Family Violence towards its goal of establishing a shelter in Rigolet. This funding is in addition to $30,000 recently provided to the partnership to support necessary renovations to the future site of the shelter. The partnership has asked the Provincial Government to work with them to obtain Federal Government funding for shelters for Inuit women in Labrador.

The Northern Strategic Plan recognizes the potential for further development of tourism opportunities in Labrador and the importance of highlighting the cultural and recreational activities which make Labrador a destination of choice for visitors seeking a truly unique travel experience.

"Labrador is an ideal destination for the outdoor adventure enthusiast, and is also of particular interest to travelers who want to experience a true diversity of cultures," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "It offers vast areas of unspoiled wilderness where people can hunt, fish, kayak, hike the rugged terrain, ski, camp, snowmobile, and more � plus a host of cultural events and experiences that are unique to this region. In order to generate increased tourism business for Labrador, we are committed to working with Destination Labrador to get the word out to potential visitors that Labrador is a distinct and compelling northern travel destination."

Budget 2009 is providing $150,000 to Destination Labrador to enable the destination marketing organization to continue to promote Labrador in key national and international markets; to assist tourism operators in their efforts to attract more clients, and to help ensure visitors receive the top quality services and experiences they expect.

Human Resources, Labour and Employment
Key investments include:

"Through Budget 2009, we demonstrate our commitment to developing and implementing innovative and broad-based approaches to labour market challenges and opportunities," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "This includes specific measures, such as strategies to attract and retain youth and immigrants and to improve labour market participation of current and potential workers. In addition, during this trying economic time, we continue to invest in supports for those most vulnerable to poverty with a focus on youth."

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Media contact:

John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
709-729-1674, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca