The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has secured a lease arrangement that will result in the consolidation of office space for several departments in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. This agreement with Colby 2000 Ltd. will save taxpayers approximately $120,000 annually. The proponent will provide roughly 7,300 square feet of office space on Hamilton River Road at a location near Spruce Park. Construction of the building to be owned by Colby 2000 Inc. will begin this fall, with occupancy expected in 2019. Approximately 18 positions located at two separate locations in Happy Valley-Goose Bay are being consolidated into this one office space, which will achieve more effective and efficient operations and also reduce the Provincial Government’s overall footprint by approximately 6,000 square feet. The building will be occupied by staff of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation (Labrador Regional Office), Children, Seniors and Social Development (Healthy Living, Sport and Recreation Division), Municipal Affairs and Environment (Fire, Emergency and Corporate Services Branch), the Office of the Chief Information Officer (Operations and Security Branch), and include office space for the Office of the Premier and the MHA for the District of Lake Melville. In addition, the new facility will house the Labrador Affairs Secretariat, which was created in 2017 to lead the coordination and enhancement of Provincial Government programs and services delivered in Labrador, as well as manage federal-provincial initiatives involving Labrador, and provide advice on issues and policy development that impact the region. This initiative supports commitments outlined in The Way Forward to reduce the Provincial Government’s leased space, to operate a more efficient public sector and deliver better services and outcomes for residents. The original commitment was to reduce leased space by 10 per cent, or 77,750 square feet, by March 31, 2018. This was exceeded and leased space has currently been reduced by 101,900 square feet and savings of $2.88 million annually. The Provincial Government has set a new goal to reduce leased space by 130,000 square feet by 2020. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca. Quotes “As the Minister of Labrador Affairs, I am pleased that staff from several departments of government will now be able to work more collaboratively and more efficiently in one location as they advance important initiatives and new developments throughout Labrador. Improving efficiency and delivering better services with better outcomes are key parts of The Way Forward, and bringing together these talented individuals in this way strengthens our government’s efforts while achieving our goal to reduce leased space.” Honourable Dwight Ball Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador “We are continuously looking for ways to provide high quality services at the best possible value for taxpayers. Moving our staff from multiple departments together in the same building will help us lower costs, reduce our leased space and provide an operational advantage for Provincial Government staff in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.” Honourable Steve Crocker Minister of Transportation and Works

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Learn More The Way Forward: A Vision for Sustainability and Growth in Newfoundland and Labrador Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL, @OLA_GovNL and @TW_GovNL Media contacts Michelle Cannizzaro Office of the Premier 709-729-3960 michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca Rod Drover Transportation and Works 709-729-1758, 730-4607 rodneycdrover@gov.nl.ca Allan Bock Labrador Affairs Secretariat 709-896-4449, 899-6446 allanbock@gov.nl.ca