The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure:

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to provide this Honourable House with an update on an infrastructure project that will improve the way we provide critical health care services in Labrador.

Last week, I had the pleasure of taking part in a sod-turning ceremony for the new six-bed mental health unit to be built in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

The extension to the Labrador Health Centre will provide private bedrooms for patients and include a dining space, lounge space, and recreation space. The extension will also include a group therapy room, which can be used for Indigenous ceremonies.

Construction starts in 2021 and is set to be completed in 2022.

Mr. Speaker, this extension means patients in Labrador who require mental health care can receive it close to home and close to family.

A $5.1 million contract has been awarded to Moss Development and the company has informed us they will be hiring between 25 and 50 people to work on the construction site – all from Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mr. Speaker, this project and the new adult mental health and addictions hospital we announced this summer for St. John’s are transforming the way we provide mental health care in our province.

This project and our investments in the Trans-Labrador Highway are also transforming the way we deliver services in Labrador.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.