In recognition of the important contribution the Labrador Winter Games program makes to the social, cultural and sport sectors in Labrador, $500,000 has been presented to the Labrador Winter Games Association to enable that organization to host the next games in Happy Valley-Goose Bay in March 2003.

This is the first time funding has been allocated this far in advance and allows the organizing committee to get an early start with games preparation. It will also allow tourism operators the lead time to offer tour packages that include the sport and cultural components of the games program.

In recognition of the importance of extra-curricular sport and cultural programs, and the significant increases in the cost of air travel, another $180,000 has been allocated to the Labrador Travel Subsidy program, bringing the total budget to $427,000.

This increase will allow the High School Athletic Federation to offer Labrador students a five-sport program similar to that enjoyed on the island portion of the province. It will also allow more schools from different Labrador communities to become active in the program.