The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs:

Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak in this Honourable House about the work that is taking place to create an environment for economic growth in the Big Land.

The Labrador North Chamber of Commerce is a leader in showcasing the tremendous economic potential of Labrador.

Over the years, the staff and volunteer board members have developed a first-rate, annual event that promotes business opportunities through the exchange of information and partnerships.

As a participant, I welcomed the chance to network with business leaders and entrepreneurs to learn about emerging developments aimed at tapping Labrador’s potential.

These linkages bring people and their ideas together. This has resulted in significant advancements in Labrador’s social and economic growth.

Mr. Speaker, this year the pandemic forced organizers to adapt. The four-day program, which ends Thursday, is a virtual event which generated registration from more than 130 businesses and individuals. I commend the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce for meeting the challenge of developing a program that provided valuable information and insights into what is happening in Labrador.

The Premier delivered the keynote address and I was pleased to join him for an informative question and answer session afterwards.

Mr. Speaker, Labrador is a vast land with tremendous, untapped potential.

As the Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, I applaud the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce for its effort to bring discussions on Labrador’s economic development to the forefront. Please join me in passing on congratulations from the House of Assembly.

Thank you.