Transportation and Works
October 19, 2015

Furthering Transportation Networks in Labrador

Minister's Advisory Committee on Labrador Transportation Concludes Consultations

The Minister's Advisory Committee on Labrador Transportation has concluded discussions regarding the provision of marine services throughout the region. The input gathered and advice of the committee to the Minister of Transportation will now help inform the development of a Request for Proposals for marine service for the Strait of Belle Isle and Labrador north coast.

"Each member of the Minister's Advisory Committee on Labrador Transportation undertook discussions with their key stakeholders regarding marine service, which included a wide range of local governments, Aboriginal organizations and governments, and the general public. I thank vice-chair Trent O'Brien and all committee members for undertaking these consultations. They have provided valuable information which will help the department develop a Request for Proposals that will reflect the committees input and ultimately provide the most affordable and sustainable marine service for the people of the Straits and the north coast of Labrador."
- The Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works

The Minister's Advisory Committee on Labrador Transportation has completed a What We Heard document outlining the input received from stakeholders regarding marine service for the Strait of Belle Isle and north coast. The report is available at www.tw.gov.nl.ca/publications/what_we_heard.pdf .

"It was important that we consulted with the people who are directly affected by transportation services in Labrador. We have gathered the necessary information required to develop a long-lasting solution that will benefit Labradorians, businesses operating in Labrador and the Nunatsiavut Government and beneficiaries. I thank all those who provided their valuable input during the consultations and I am pleased that this input has been released in a What We Heard document for anyone interested to review."
- The Honourable Keith Russell, Minister of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs

In July 2015, Minister Brazil appointed new members to the Minister's Advisory Committee on Labrador Transportation drawing on recommendations made by each of the four Labrador MHAs. The members of the committee represent all regions of Labrador and a wide variety of stakeholder input.

"Through this consultation process we heard many different perspectives and ideas regarding both the Labrador Straits and North Coast Services. Without these consultations and the information they provided it would be impossible to create a Request for Proposals that would truly capture all the needs of the people who most use these services. I am proud to have helped lead this consultation process. The members of the Advisory Committee worked hard and on short timelines to conduct these consultations with positive results."
- Trent O'Brien, Vice-chair, Minister's Advisory Committee on Labrador Transportation

The Request for Proposals for marine services is expected to be issued in the coming weeks. High quality transportation infrastructure is integral to the social and economic growth of Newfoundland and Labrador, which are key elements of the recently launched Population Growth Strategy. For more information on the strategy visit homeforgoodnl.ca .

QUICK FACTS

• The Minister's Advisory Committee on Labrador Transportation has concluded consultations regarding the future of marine service for the Strait of Belle Isle and the north coast.

• The Minister's Advisory Committee has completed a What We Heard document summarizing the input gathered on marine services for the Straits and the north coast. The document is available at www.tw.gov.nl.ca/publications/what_we_heard.pdf

• The input gathered by the Minister's Advisory Committee will help inform the development of a Request for Proposals for marine services for the Straits and north coast. It is expected the Request for Proposals will be issued in the coming weeks.

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Media contacts:

Jacquelyn Howard Director of Communications Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015, 689-2624 jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca	Vanessa Colman-Sadd Director of Communications Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs 709-729-1495, 682-6593 vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca
Trent O'Brien Vice-chair, Minister's Advisory Committee on Labrador Transportation 709-640-8708 trent@coastalmotors.ca

2015 10 19                              4:00 p.m.