NEWS RELEASE
                                                                                       Office of the Official Opposition
September 5, 2008
For Immediate Release

Jones urges government to establish campus housing in Labrador West

Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones is encouraging government to build campus housing in Labrador West to accommodate the large number of students looking to complete their post-secondary studies in the region.

Jones says that she is receiving complaints from students who are having a very difficult time finding housing in the area and are re-evaluating their plans to study in Labrador West. There is currently a housing shortage in the region and there is no on-campus housing available for students relocating to Labrador City and Wabush.

“There are many students from across Labrador and throughout the province who want to complete their academic studies in Labrador West,” said Ms. Jones. “The local college is recognized as a leader in various skilled trades, especially for those wanting to enter the mining sector. There is an anticipated boom projected to take place in Labrador West and our entire mining industry that will create even more demand for these skilled workers in the years to come.

“We know there is a significant student housing problem in St. John’s and Corner Brook, and we can now add Labrador West to that list as well. Unlike the post-secondary campuses in both cities, western Labrador does not have any residences or on-campus housing that can accommodate a percentage of students. Therefore, there are very few options available for students.

“It is obvious that issues of affordable housing must be addressed in areas throughout the province, especially with the recent spike in prices from the Hebron and IOC expansion announcements. Student housing in Labrador West is another of these issues and the establishment of the necessary infrastructure should be seriously considered by government.”

- 30 -

Media Contact: 
Darrell Mercer
Director of Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
Tel: (709) 729-6151 or (709) 687-0477