The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation:

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation:

Speaker, our government is making important investments in Budget 2023 through the new Department of Labrador Affairs.

Safety is a priority for winter travel in Labrador. $3.3 million has been allocated to enhance snowmobile travel for isolated Labrador communities and we are working with service providers to replace or repair grooming machines, garages and emergency shelters, and to purchase trail markers and signage.

Participation in sports promotes active living and builds character, particularly among youth. More than $800,000 has been allocated for the Labrador Sport Travel Subsidy, which funds travel support for Labrador athletes, aged 18 and under, Special Olympians, sport organizations, and Labrador school sport teams. With an increase of $100,000 in Budget 2023, this fund also supports participation in provincial competitions, development camps, Indigenous games and junior varsity sports.

Responsibility for medical transportation assistance programs was transferred to the newly-created Department of Labrador Affairs, effective April 1. We are currently reviewing these programs to improve medical transportation assistance and ensure they operate as effectively as possible. A $1 million allocation in Budget 2023 will assist with implementing program improvements.

Speaker, Budget 2023 delivered a range of investments across many departments that benefit Labradorians and all residents of the province. I am pleased to be able to highlight some of the initiatives that are administered by Labrador Affairs. We listened, and we are responding.