Labrador Affairs office closed in Wabush over holidays has NDP asking questions

The government-operated Labrador Affairs office in Wabushwas shut down over the holidays, leaving the provincial NDP with questions as to why.

The position of executive director was eliminated as well.

TheLabrador Affairs Secretariat is a government body that"focuses on advocating for the social and economic development of Labrador while providing advice on government policies, planning and programs that impact Labrador,"according to the Newfoundland and Labrador government's website.

NDP MHA for Labrador West, Jordan Brown, is calling on Premier Dwight Ball to reinstate the office and give the job to an MHA representing Labrador to ensure there is a dedicated minister remaining in the region to handle the portfolio.

"Clearly Labradorians are not a priority of this government," Brown said in a news release on Thursday morning.

According to Brown the Liberal Party eliminated an administrative position from the office in 2016. The executive director position was the last remaining in the Wabush location.

On Thursday afternoon the provincial Liberals responded.

Government confirmed that the position of executive director based in Labrador West, originally created in 2012to focus on improving on the economic downturn after prices of iron ore plummeted,isno longer required.

The province saidthe economy in the region recovered after investment and reopening of the Wabushmine.

"The deputy minister position for Labrador Affairs Secretariat, which was created by the current administration, remains in place in Happy Valley-Goose Bay,"government said in an e-mailed statement to CBC News.

"Along with other staff who support the entire Labrador region and is responsible for the development, implementation and administration of provincial policies and programs respecting Labrador issues."

Brown saidthe officehandled major files which are importantto Labrador West and Labrador as a whole.

He saidresidents of the area now feel alienated.

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