Last year�s budget announced a northern coastal Labrador initiative to address housing needs, community infrastructure and policing in five communities. We are entering the second year of a $23 million three year funding commitment, which includes a $7.7 million housing component. To give Labrador and its aboriginal peoples a stronger voice in government we have recently created a new Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs. The new department will provide leadership on issues of concern to Labrador and all its people.

I am pleased to announce today several initiatives of particular relevance to Labrador. I mentioned earlier $800,000 for incentive bonuses to attract teachers to coastal Labrador communities. Funding is provided for the Forestry Process Agreement on forestry management and development in Labrador between the province and the Innu Nation as committed earlier this year. And, subject to being implemented nationally, we hope to launch the Aboriginal Cadet Development Program, which would see aboriginal youth receive skills upgrading as preparation for RCMP training. In anticipation of this national program, we have set aside funding in the new fiscal year for 12 aboriginal youth who are residents of Labrador to participate.

The Labrador Travel Subsidy was increased by $180,000 in the middle of the fiscal year just ending. The subsidy will be maintained at its new level of $427,000. This will permit students living in Labrador to increase their participation in athletic tournaments throughout the province. And finally, our largest single investment in Labrador this year is the $43 million to be spent on the Trans Labrador Highway. This is an exciting initiative that will open up many opportunities for the people of Labrador and the whole province.