The governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Québec are working together to develop the Labrador Trough and improve road infrastructure. This collaboration will facilitate the development of mining potential, as well as promote the creation of high quality jobs to benefit Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations in both provinces. The two provinces will also work together to improve transportation infrastructure, further developing an economic corridor that links Newfoundland and Labrador to Québec.
“By working together we can leverage the strengths of our internationally-recognized mining industry to invite new investment, mining activity and job creation,” said Dwight Ball, premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. “We are also better positioned to advance transportation infrastructure that strengthens trade corridors and bolsters economic and community development. I am optimistic of the potential that will come from this agreement as it will benefit Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, Quebecers and all Canadians.”
With a view to developing the Labrador Trough, this agreement provides for the following joint works aimed at enhancing collaboration in the following areas of shared interest:
- Geotechnical information and land use planning;
- Infrastructure for the mining sector;
- Labour and skills;
- Telecommunications development; and
- Enhancements to government processes and business supports.
With respect to the improvement and extension of road infrastructure, this agreement provides for the continuation on the part of the Québec government of construction work on Route 138 and the improvement of Route 389 in the coming years. Note that the last Québec budget earmarked an amount of $232 million for the extension of Route 138 as part of the Plan Nord.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador commits to continue improvements already underway on Route 510 and since taking office have paved or upgraded 334 lane kilometres of the Trans Labrador Highway. The province has also recently released a pre-feasibility study that assesses the opportunities of a fixed link between Labrador and the island of Newfoundland.
“The partnerships announced for the mining and transportation sectors will allow us to grow both the Québec and Newfoundland and Labrador economies,” said Philippe Couillard, premier of Quebec. “Let’s not forget that, since we have been in office, the Québec economy has been transformed and our commitment to our partners in the Canadian federation has grown stronger.”
A copy of the cooperative agreement can be viewed online at – www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2018/exec/0412n03_Agreement.pdf
