Nunatukavut Welcomes Provincial Liberal Majority; Looks Forward To New Relationship

HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, LABRADOR, December 1, 2015 – The NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) congratulates Newfoundland and Labrador Premier-designate Dwight Ball on his majority win in yesterday’s provincial election.

“This is a new government, a new day and a new direction for residents in this province,” said Todd Russell, President of the NCC. “We feel this marks the beginning of a renewed and positive relationship between the Province and the people of NunatuKavut.”

NCC also congratulates the four Liberal candidates who won their seats in Labrador, clearly indicating the desire for change.

“I’ve had an opportunity to meet each of the MHAs and I am confident that they will be strong advocates for Labrador and for Aboriginal people in their districts,” said President Russell. “Incumbent MHAs Lisa Dempster and Randy Edmunds have already been very vocal in the House of Assembly and I know new MHAs Perry Trimper and Graham Letto will be as well.”

Mr. Ball has demonstrated his support of NCC since becoming provincial Liberal Party leader and, in early November, he personally reaffirmed the party’s full support for the acceptance of the NunatuKavut Land Claim and being a willing participant at the negotiating table once he became Premier. This followed a letter of support received from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the recent federal election.

“Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated his unequivocal commitment to accepting our Land Claim,” said President Russell. “We look forward to working with Prime Minister Trudeau and Mr. Ball to quickly advance it to the negotiating table.”

“Having an agreement in place has tremendous benefits for our people, all Labradorians and the province as a whole,” added President Russell.

During the provincial campaign, NCC also received support from the New Democratic Party and the Progressive Conservative Party on its Land Claim.

“We were extremely pleased about this unanimous endorsement,” said President Russell. “We applaud all party candidates for putting their names on the ballot and working hard during this election.”

For further information on NunatuKavut, please visit www.nunatukavut.ca. Please also join in the conversation at Facebook.com/nunatukavut and Twitter @nunatukavut.

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For further information, please contact: Kelly Nippard, Director of Communications, NCC, 709-280-5965