Transportation and Works Minister Meets with Counterpart from Nunavut

Transportation and Works
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
June 29, 2007

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to explore partnership opportunities with the Nunavut government.

The Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, met with the Honourable Dave Simailak, Minister of Economic Development and Transportation and Minister of Finance for the Government of Nunavut, during Expo Labrador’s Conference and Trade Exhibition in Happy Valley-Goose Bay earlier this week.The potential for increased business between Nunavut and Labrador, particularly for air and sea transportation, remains a key priority.

“The province has a keen interest in establishing a transportation loop involving Atlantic Canada, Labrador, and Nunavut,” said Minister Hickey. “We hope to move forward with this plan by increasing business, government and cultural ties with Nunavut and these meetings are indeed a step in the right direction.”

Minister Simailak is optimistic the meeting will bear fruit. “I look forward to working with my counterpart from Labrador and I think there is a great deal of potential for both governments to collaborate and grow our economies,” said Minister Simailak. “I am particularly interested in the marine movement of goods and people to and from Labrador and Nunavut.”

Minister Hickey and Minister Simailak hope to meet again by the end of the summer and firm up some partnership proposals. Officials from both governments held formal meetings in Nunuvut in late February.

In addition, last week the Honourable Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, met with Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik in Corner Brook where both were participating in the National Aboriginal Women’s Summit.

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Media contacts:

David Salter
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
Labrador Affairs
709-729-3015, 691-3577

Eva Michael
Manager, Communications
Department of Economic Development and Transportation
Government of Nunavut
867-975-7808