The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Lela Evans, Minister of Labrador Affairs:

Speaker, as Minister of Labrador Affairs, I am honoured to stand today to recognize March 31st as Labrador Flag Day.

Labradorians are proud of our flag.

We have been since it first flew in March 1974. Labradorian Michael S. Martin designed this symbol that truly represents Labrador’s geography, cultures, and communities.

Our flag reflects the beauty of the Big Land with its colours representing the snow, the water, and the land.

The growing sprig of black spruce calls out the hope and tenacity of the people who call Labrador home.

The Labrador flag reminds us that this majestic land is a distinct and vital part of our province.

Speaker, our new government recognizes that Labrador has unique challenges and opportunities.

To those who call Labrador home, know this: we are listening to you and will take action to make life more affordable, provide better healthcare, and make communities safer for all Labradorians.

Today, and every day, we celebrate our beautiful flag and continue to honour everything it stands for – the past, present, and future of my homeland, my Labrador.

To honour the occasion, this evening Confederation Building will be lit in the colours of the Labrador flag, and the flag will proudly fly in front of Confederation Building.

Thank you, Speaker.