Departmental Overview

On April 1, 2023, the former Labrador Affairs Secretariat and the Medical Transportation Program from the Department of Health and Community Services were restructured to form the new Department of Labrador Affairs. The Department focuses on advocating for the social and economic development of Labrador while providing advice on government policies, planning and programs that impact Labrador.  In addition, the Department administers the Medical Transportation Assistance Program (MTAP) and the Medical Transportation Program for Income Support Clients (ISMT).

Vision

The vision of the Department of Labrador Affairs is of a strong, sustainable and vibrant Labrador, where all people have the opportunity to prosper and contribute to their communities, regions and the province.

 

Mandate

The mandate of the Department of Labrador Affairs is to advance the social and economic development of Labrador by ensuring the unique perspectives are considered in the formation of government policy and in the delivery of provincial government programs and services in Labrador. The Department also administers medical transportation assistance programs for all areas of the Province.

 

Lines of Business

1. Policy and Programming

The Department of Labrador Affairs is responsible for the development, implementation and administration of provincial policies and programs from a Labrador and rural/remote perspective. The Department aims to ensure that provincial policies, programs and services consider Labrador related issues by providing advice to provincial government departments and agencies and through its participation in provincial horizontal initiatives.

Labrador Affairs is responsible for the administration of Labrador-specific programs and grants that include:

  • the Labrador Transportation Grooming Subsidy;
  • the Labrador Aboriginal Nutritional and Artistic Assistance Program;
  • the Labrador Sport Travel Subsidy Program and School Sport NL Labrador Travel  Program;
  • the Labrador Winter Games; and
  • annual operating grant for the Combined Councils of Labrador.

The Department is also responsible for the administration of the provincial Medical Transportation Assistance Program and the Medical Transportation Program for Income Support Clients.

2. Coordination, Collaboration and Advocacy

To achieve its mandate to advance the social and economic development of Labrador, Labrador Affairs coordinates, collaborates, and advocates for Labrador and northern related initiatives. The Department collaborates with provincial government departments/entities, federal, territorial and municipal governments, industry organizations and stakeholders. The Department also works with stakeholders on MCP and Income Support clients to coordinate the medical transportation assistance programs.

 

Clients / Stakeholders

The primary clients and stakeholders of the Labrador Affairs branch include:

  • Labrador residents, communities and groups, who expect leadership in facilitating economic and social development in Labrador;
  • The Provincial Government and its departments/entities which require policy advice and input on Labrador issues;
  • Federal, municipal, and Indigenous Governments and Organizations that seek information and input on Labrador issues; and
  • Clients of Labrador Affairs programs in which the Department administers.

Clients and stakeholders of the Medical Transportation branch include:

  • MCP beneficiaries required to travel from rural and remote areas to larger centres to access specialized insured health care services;
  • Income Support clients; and
  • Federal, municipal and Indigenous Governments and Organizations.

Additional information on the mandate and lines of business of Labrador Affairs is located on its website at https://www.gov.nl.ca/exec/las/.

 

Staff

The Department has offices located in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and St. John’s.  At the Labrador Affairs branch there are ten employees in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay office which includes the Assistant Deputy Minister, Director of Labrador Affairs, and Director of Communications. In the Medical Transportation Program branch there are 49 employees located in St. John’s which includes the Assistant Deputy Minister. The Deputy Minister for the Department of Labrador Affairs is located in St. John’s.

The Director of Communications also supports the Office of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation and the Intergovernmental Affairs Secretariat.

 

Strategic Directions

Strategic Directions are the articulation of desired physical, social and economic outcomes and normally require action by more than one government entity.  These directions are generally communicated by government strategic directions, platform documents, Throne and Budget Speeches, policy documents, and other communique.  The Transparency and Accountability Act requires departments and public bodies to take into account these strategic directions in the preparation of their performance-based plans.  This action will facilitate the integration of planning practices across government and will ensure that all entities are moving forward on key commitments.

The strategic directions that are relevant to the Department of Labrador Affairs are provided below.  Each direction is comprised of a number of components or focus areas. These focus areas will be addressed through the various planning processes of the Department of Labrador Affairs.

Title:              Socio-economic development

Outcome:      Enhance the social and economic development for Labrador

This outcome supports the Department’s vision of a strong, sustainable and vibrant Labrador, where all people have the opportunity to prosper and contribute to their communities, regions and the province. This will require focus in the following areas:

  • Program administration
  • Stewardship and advocacy
  • Partnerships and collaboration
  • Provincial Government policy and program delivery responsive to Labrador interests

 

Title:              Access to specialized health care services

Outcome:      Provide timely access to transportation assistance and reduce the financial burden experienced by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians accessing specialized health care services.

This outcome supports the Department of Labrador Affairs’ vision where all people have the opportunity to prosper and contribute to their communities, regions and the province. This will require focus in the following areas:

  • Engagement and consultation
  • Program efficiency
  • Provincial Government policies, programs and services collaboration