The postponement of the Labrador Winter Games is an insult to the people of Labrador and demonstrates the provincial government’s lack of understanding in recognizing issues of importance to those living in this region of the province, says Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones.

Government announced the postponement of the Labrador Winter Games last week stating that the Board of Directors needed more time to prepare for the games. Meanwhile, board members are stating that they felt pressured to postpone the games because of a lack of funding and the Chair of the Labrador Winter Games Board has since resigned due to government’s lack of financial commitment to the games.

“The Board of Directors for the Labrador Winter Games was given a budget of $500,000 to work with, simply not enough money for such a significant event,” said Ms. Jones. “Tourism Minister Clyde Jackman was told that another $200,000 would be needed and his only response was that the Board would have to raise those funds through corporate donations. The Board of Directors had already received generous support from the corporate community and raising this amount of money in a six month period was next to impossible. Unfortunately, government refused to provide any additional funding and the games were cancelled.

“The people of Labrador are frustrated and angry with this decision and view it as another slap in the face from a government that has little understanding of the issues facing this region of our province. These games are about preserving and strengthening Labrador history, culture and sport. It is also about preserving the legacy of our region and for 25 years these games have united all communities of Labrador. The decision to postpone the games due to a lack of funding a mere six months before they were scheduled to begin is an insult to the athletes, coaches and many volunteers who have been training for the competition and been involved in the planning process for months.

“There are three government MHAs, two of whom are ministers, who are supposed to represent our region, yet their silence is deafening. Are these members so weak that their voices are not heard, or are they simply ignored by their caucus and cabinet colleagues? It is obvious that this government has no commitment to Labrador culture and does not understand the significance of these games to our people.

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