Provincial government establishes Team Labrador to prepare for major development

The Newfoundland and Labrador government is establishing a new team focused on helping Labrador capitalize on major economic opportunities while preparing communities for the potential impacts of large-scale development.

Team Labrador will be chaired by Lela Evans, Minister of Labrador Affairs, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and Women and Gender Equality, and MHA for Torngat Mountains.

The team will also include Joe Power, MHA for Labrador West, and Keith Russell, MHA for Lake Melville.

The provincial government said the initiative follows the recently announced new agreement to advance development at Churchill Falls and Gull Island, which it says will create significant economic opportunities for Labrador and the province.

Team Labrador will examine the potential effects of major development on communities and infrastructure, including housing, municipal services, health care, education, public safety and workforce needs.

The team will also look at opportunities for local and Indigenous economic participation and engage with Indigenous governments and organizations, municipalities, community leaders, businesses and other stakeholders throughout Labrador.

The government said the work will help inform its commitment to develop a new Northern Strategic Plan in collaboration with Labradorians.

Premier Tony Wakeham said Labrador is at the centre of a major economic opportunity for the province.

“Labrador is at the centre of one of the greatest economic opportunities in our province’s history,” Wakeham said. “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.”

Evans said the team will focus on hearing directly from Labrador communities and identifying their needs as development moves forward.

“Team Labrador will allow us to listen directly to people throughout Labrador, identify what communities need and make sure those considerations are brought forward,” Evans said.

The provincial government said establishing Team Labrador represents the first step toward fulfilling its commitment to work with Labradorians on a Northern Strategic Plan.