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HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, N.L.
There were a few Nunavut faces in the crowd at this year's Expo Labrador, an annual event put on by the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, N.L.

"Both Nunavut and Labrador's economies are expanding rapidly and host a variety of similarities despite the distance," states Debbie Purvis, events co-ordinator for the Baffin Region Chamber of Commerce, in an email from the event. "New opportunities (mean) developing businesses of all sizes and sectors can participate in this growth."

These opportunities provide "a solid foundation for businesses to develop products and services for growing regionally, domestically and into international markets."

Opportunities for both Nunavut and Labrador include exploration and development of world-class mineral deposits and public and private investment in transportation, housing and economic development, she stated.

The Baffin Region Chamber of Commerce ran a booth at the Expo Labrador trade show representing the Northern Lights Trade Show, an event run in partnership with the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce and held in Ottawa.

Nunavut Premier Eva Aariak spoke at a luncheon on June 25 at the Happy Valley-Goose Bay Royal Canadian Legion.

Ernie McLean, chairperson of Expo Labrador, said the event had a record turnout this year, likely due to the Lower Churchill hydroelectric dam project's advancement. Once complete, the project will provide power to Labrador and Nova Scotia.

He said Aariak's description of the value of partnerships between Nunavummiut and industry to Nunavut is similar to Labrador's own situation

"Our businesses are not in a position to make huge investments but they are in a position to be partners with these developers and benefit from the industrial development," said McLean, referring to hydro-electric, off-shore drilling and similar large-scale ventures.

Aariak's speech touched on Nunavut's growing fishing and marine-related industries and their similarity to industries already established in Labrador, as well as Newfoundland.

"The MV Nuliajuk is operated by a full-time crew from Newfoundland and Labrador, along with deck hands from Nunavut," said Aariak. "Together, the crew on board the Nuliajuk supports research that is helping to develop our industry sustainably while promoting conservation for future generations. The crew highlights the natural alliance between Nunavut and Nunatsiavut, Labrador and Newfoundland beyond."

Labrador expertise may be solicited as ports, docks, and wharfs are built, she said.

"In Nunavut, you will find no ports, no dock, no wharfs," said Aariak. "A single small craft harbour is under construction in the community of Panniqtuuq. Labrador alone has 17 such harbours."

McLean said partnerships with Nunavut are something Labrador would certainly be open to.

"The one theme that I heard from (Aariak's) speech is (Nunavut is) willing to look at this area to do business with them, as we are looking outside to do business with us," he said.

"The more you work together, the more opportunities there are, and the better opportunities there are for our young people to benefit from major developments that are taking place."

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