ST. JOHN’S The Newfoundland and Labrador government is taking steps to ensure Labrador communities can benefit from the province’s proposed multibillion-dollar energy deal with Quebec.
The province has appointed three members of the provincial legislature to a new team tasked with helping Labrador capitalize on the opportunities created by the proposed agreement.
The two provinces’ public utility companies have proposed the construction of several energy projects around the Churchill River, potentially bringing significant economic activity and a large influx of workers to the region.
However, local officials say communities will need support to manage the pressures that could accompany the development.
Bert Pomeroy, mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, said the arrival of large numbers of workers for some of the proposed projects would place additional pressure on housing and health-care services, as well as the infrastructure supporting them.
The provincial government says Team Labrador will work with Indigenous governments and organizations, municipalities, community leaders, businesses and other stakeholders across Labrador.
Keith Russell, one of the representatives appointed to the new team, said the effects of development around the Churchill River are expected to extend beyond the immediate project sites, particularly for communities in central Labrador.
“Major development on the Churchill River will have impacts well beyond the project sites, particularly for communities throughout central Labrador,” Russell said.
He emphasized the importance of preparing ahead of the development and listening to local stakeholders to identify both the opportunities and pressures they expect.
“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,” he said.
Through Team Labrador, the province aims to help the region prepare for the proposed energy developments while ensuring Labradorians are positioned to capture their potential economic benefits.
