INVESTING IN LABRADOR
Last year�s budget announced a northern coastal Labrador
initiative to address housing needs, community infrastructure and
policing in five communities. We are entering the second year of a $23
million three year funding commitment, which includes a $7.7 million
housing component. To give Labrador and its aboriginal peoples a
stronger voice in government we have recently created a new Department
of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs. The new department will provide
leadership on issues of concern to Labrador and all its people.
I am pleased to announce today several initiatives of particular
relevance to Labrador. I mentioned earlier $800,000 for incentive
bonuses to attract teachers to coastal Labrador communities. Funding
is provided for the Forestry Process Agreement on forestry management
and development in Labrador between the province and the Innu Nation
as committed earlier this year. And, subject to being implemented
nationally, we hope to launch the Aboriginal Cadet Development
Program, which would see aboriginal youth receive skills upgrading as
preparation for RCMP training. In anticipation of this national
program, we have set aside funding in the new fiscal year for 12
aboriginal youth who are residents of Labrador to participate.
The Labrador Travel Subsidy was increased by $180,000 in the middle
of the fiscal year just ending. The subsidy will be maintained at its
new level of $427,000. This will permit students living in Labrador to
increase their participation in athletic tournaments throughout the
province. And finally, our largest single investment in Labrador this
year is the $43 million to be spent on the Trans Labrador Highway.
This is an exciting initiative that will open up many opportunities
for the people of Labrador and the whole province.
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