News Release
Office of the Official Opposition

Jones supports national highway designation for Trans Labrador Highway

September 16, 2005

"Over the past couple of months, the federal government has been seriously discussing the issue of making the Trans Labrador Highway part of the national highway grid," said Ms. Jones. "I believe this project is of such significance and importance for the people of Labrador and the entire province that this should be done immediately.

"Labrador is still one of the remaining areas of Canada that does not have a highway that is of a national standard. Should the federal and provincial governments work together and get this project started, the benefits to the people of this province and the rest of Canada would be tremendous. In addition, this type of project would help bring Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec closer together and strengthen the ties between the two provinces. This could create many new opportunities for both regions.

"Bringing the Trans Labrador Highway under the same designation as the Trans Canada Highway would bring new economic, tourism and development potential to Labrador. I seriously encourage the federal government to move forward with this designation and I am also encouraging Minister Rideout to join myself, Todd Russell, the MP for Labrador and all Labradorians in calling for this project to proceed.

"There is a federal-provincial meeting of transportation ministers in the next couple of weeks. This would be the perfect opportunity for this initiative to be addressed and discussed in great detail. I am hopeful that with the right level of commitment and support, this initiative will finally be approved."

Media Contact:
Darrell Mercer
Director of Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6151 or 709-687-0477