The Provincial Government is establishing a new team focused on ensuring Labradorians benefit from the significant economic and development opportunities ahead, while identifying and responding to potential community, infrastructure, health, education and public safety impacts associated with major projects in the region.
The Honourable Lela Evans, Minister of Labrador Affairs, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and Minister of Women and Gender Equality, and MHA for Torngat Mountains will chair Team Labrador, which will also include Joe Power, MHA for Labrador West and Keith Russell, MHA for Lake Melville.
Team Labrador is being established following the recently announced new and better deal to advance development at Churchill Falls and Gull Island, which represents significant new economic opportunities for Labrador and the province.
Its work will focus on ensuring Labrador is positioned to capitalize on those opportunities while planning for the pressures that major development can create. This will include consideration of municipal and community infrastructure, housing, public services, workforce needs, local and Indigenous economic opportunities, and other social and community impacts in areas such as health, education, and public safety.
Team Labrador will engage with Indigenous Governments and organizations, municipalities, community leaders, businesses and other stakeholders throughout Labrador. Their work will inform the Provincial Government’s platform commitment to collaborating with Labradorians to develop a new Northern Strategic Plan. The creation of this team is the first step toward fulfilling that commitment.
Quotes
“Labrador is at the centre of one of the greatest economic opportunities in our province’s history. As we move forward with development on the Churchill River, we have a responsibility to ensure Labradorians benefit and that communities are prepared for the growth and pressures that will come with it. Minister Evans knows Labrador, understands its communities, and will ensure their voices are heard.”
Honourable Tony Wakeham
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Labradorians know the enormous opportunities that major development can bring, but we also understand the importance of planning for the impacts on our communities. Team Labrador will allow us to listen directly to people throughout Labrador, identify what communities need and make sure those considerations are brought forward. Our focus will be on ensuring Indigenous Governments and organizations, and Labradorians, are partners in this opportunity and receive lasting benefits from the development taking place in our region.”
Honourable Lela Evans
Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister of Women and Gender Equality
MHA for Torngat Mountains
“Major development on the Churchill River will have impacts well beyond the project sites, particularly for communities throughout central Labrador. It is important that we plan early, listen to Indigenous Governments and organizations, municipalities, residents and businesses, and respond to the pressures and opportunities they identify. I look forward to working with Minister Evans and MHA Power to make sure Labrador communities are heard and positioned to benefit for generations to come.”
Keith Russell
MHA for Lake Melville
“Labrador West understands both the opportunities and the pressures that come with major development. We want to make sure local workers and businesses are positioned to benefit, while also planning for housing, infrastructure and the services our communities will need as development moves forward. Team Labrador gives Labrador a strong voice in that work and will help ensure the benefits of these projects are felt right here in the region.”
Joe Power
MHA for Labrador West
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