April 15, 2005 St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today congratulated the Labrador Inuit Association (LIA) for hosting a successful economic development conference in Nain from April 12-14, 2005. The theme for the conference was "Foundations for Success with Nunatsiavut". "This conference allowed participants to play an important role in the future of Labrador Inuit economic growth," said Minister McGuire. "It will serve as a starting point in strategic planning and provide a new direction for the structure and governance for economic development." "We are happy to support the LIA and work with them as they move towards the reality of a new government in Nunatsiavut," said the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources. "This conference allowed key stakeholders who support aboriginal economic development to establish Inuit priorities and provided a voice for the Labrador Inuit in determining their needs." The three day economic development conference was by invitation only and attracted approximately 60 delegates. The purpose of the event was to provide a forum to discuss and determine potential economic opportunities associated with industry, natural resources and other businesses in the new Nunatsiavut government. This conference featured sessions on key sectors, including Fisheries, Mining, Forestry, Tourism, and Entrepreneurship. The conference also gave participants opportunities to discuss training and education, and learning from recent experiences with projects such as the Voisey's Bay mining project. The Labrador Inuit Association (LIA) is an incorporated not- for-profit organization formed in 1973. The LIA was incorporated in 1975 and represents approximately 5,300 Inuit. The LIA embodies the collective political interests of the Inuit, including the finalization of their land claims agreement and the beginning of their self- governance. The Association is responsible for advancing the aboriginal, constitutional, democratic, social and human rights of Labrador Inuit. The Labrador Inuit Association is directed by a 21 member Board of Directors. The current president is Mr. William Andersen. ACOA provided $35,000 under its Business Development Program to support the LIA in hosting the economic development conference. FOR BROADCAST USE ONLY: The Labrador Inuit Association (LIA) hosted an economic development conference in Nain from April 12-14, 2005. The conference was for invited guests only and focused on the potential economic opportunities associated with industry, natural resources and other businesses in the new Nunatsiavut government. The theme of the conference was "Foundations for Success with Nunatsiavut." The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) provided $35,000 under its Business Development Program to help offset the cost of the conference. - 30 - For more information, please contact: Valérie Poulin Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (613) 941-7241 Doug Burgess Director, Public Affairs ACOA (709) 772-2935 Marilyn Butland Labrador Inuit Association Perry Butland Communications (709) 753-0794
