"I was the Minister of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs when the commitment was made," noted Andersen. "The government at the time committed to this project because it believed that it was the right thing to do. A new facility is definitely needed in order to provide a venue for the performing arts for much of Labrador, not just Happy Valley-Goose Bay. In my district, one has to only look at the faces of the children who have just returned from the Creative Arts Festival to realize that this facility is a must."

Andersen said he is disappointed that the Williams government has not endorsed this project, despite the desperate need for such a facility in the region.

"When Goose High School closed in September of this year, so did the region’s only theatre for the performing arts. Labrador has many unique cultures and histories, and the performing arts allows us to keep our heritage strong and vibrant. It would be a shame if our people are denied the opportunity to exercise their creative skills on stage in a facility that is long overdue."