Province establishes ‘New Team Labrador’
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.
Lela Evans, Minister of Labrador Affairs, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for 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 says it 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.
“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,” says Premier Tony Wakeham.
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