From: The Office of Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador 

News Release 

February 21, 2024 – Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador 

Infrastructure is the foundation of healthy and prosperous communities as it connects Canadians, and gets them to and from work, school, and home. Modern, sustainable infrastructure reduces harmful emissions and increases productivity, it supports supply chains and propels Canada forward as a global leader in the clean economy. That is why the federal government has made investing in infrastructure a key priority.   

Today, the Honourable Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern Affairs and to the Minister of National Defence (Northern Defence) and Member of Parliament for Labrador on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, celebrated the opening of the Little Tree Family Centre. 

This welcoming space serving Happy Valley-Goose Bay and North West River will provide support to Indigenous children and their families, while offering a pre-school culture-based program in a safe and reliable building where children can learn and grow.   

The Little Tree Family Centre will play a pivotal role in community growth by offering vital support to parents and caregivers, as well as essential resources for nurturing the growth and well-being of Indigenous children and families. The space will also provide culture and language programming, incorporating Inuktitut, Innu-Aimun and English through songs, stories, and activities.  

The federal government has invested over $2.2million in the establishment of this Centre through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. 

These investments are making a real and significant difference in our lives and our communities as they support these types of projects such as recreational centers where people can take classes and prioritize their health, green buildings that cut pollution and increase energy efficiency, and public transit systems that make it easier for people to get around without relying on cars. The federal government is focused on growing and building a brighter future for all Canadians.   

Quotes 

“When I was first approached for funding for a new center it was after visiting and experiencing the important connection the center had for children, parents and staff. I want to say that programs and facilities like this are the foundations for growth and development for kids and the community. I am so proud of the work we did together to make this dream a reality."

-The Honourable Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern Affairs and to the Minister of National Defence (Northern Defence) and Member of Parliament for Labrador on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities 

Quick Facts 

• The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program is one way the Government of Canada is delivering funding to communities through the Investing in Canada Plan. The program provides long-term, stable funding delivered by Infrastructure Canada to: 

• • Help communities reduce air and water pollution, provide clean water, increase resilience to climate change and create a clean-growth economy; 
  • Build strong, dynamic and inclusive communities; and 
  • Ensure Canadian families have access to modern, reliable services that improve their quality of life. 

• Under the program, over $33-billion in funding is being delivered through bilateral agreements between Infrastructure Canada and each of the provinces and territories. 

• Through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure stream, the Government is investing in projects that: 

• • Improve cultural infrastructure, like museums and Indigenous heritage centres; 
  • Support upgrades to recreational facilities, like arenas and both indoor and outdoor recreational spaces; and 
  • Improve community infrastructure, like community centres and libraries. 

Associated links 

• Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program 
• Infrastructure Canada: Housing and Infrastructure Project Map 
• Little Tree Family Centre: Labrador Friendship Centre  

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Contacts 

Megan Leona McGrath 

Communications Lead and Special Assistant 

Office of Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador 

613-996-4630 

[email protected] 

Office of Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador 

1-888-817-2483 

[email protected] 

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