Governance in Labrador
Labradorians -- the residents of Labrador -- are governed at the federal, provincial and municipal levels.
The Federation of Canada
The country of Canada is a federation, composed of ten provinces and three territories. Canada is governed by a federal parliament consisting of an elected House of Commons and an appointed Senate. The region of Labrador constitutes one seat in the House of Commons.
Currently the Labrador riding is represented by Yvonne Jones, the first woman from Labrador to ever be elected to the Canadian House of Commons. She was elected on May 13, 2013.
Currently the Labrador riding is represented by Yvonne Jones, the first woman from Labrador to ever be elected to the Canadian House of Commons. She was elected on May 13, 2013.
Province of Newfoundland and Labrador
Labrador and the neighbouring Island of Newfoundland comprise the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Formerly designated the "Province of Newfoundland", the name was officially changed in 2001 to include Labrador.
The Province is governed by an elected House of Assembly with representatives from 48 ridings. Four riding are situated in Labrador. These ridings and their current elected representatives are:
The Province is governed by an elected House of Assembly with representatives from 48 ridings. Four riding are situated in Labrador. These ridings and their current elected representatives are:
- Torngat Mountains (Labrador North): Randy Edmunds
- Labrador West: Nick McGrath
- Lake Melville (Central Labrador): Keith Russell
- Cartwright - L'Anse au Clair (Labrador Coastal Drive): Lisa Dempster
Nunatsiavut - Inuit Self-Government
The signing of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement in January 2005 marked the beginning of a new era for the Inuit people of Labrador. The agreement provides for the creation of self-government for the Inuit people: the Nunatsiavut Government.
The governing structure is a Legislative Assembly, consisting of a president and members elected from the general populace. Inuit and non-Inuit residents are eligible to vote. The Nunatsiavut Legislative Assembly is based at the community of Hopedale. The town of Nain serves as the administrative centre.
Five Inuit community governments replace the former municipal governments at Nain, Hopedale, Rigolet, Makkovik and Postville. Each community government is headed by an AngajukKâk (chairperson) and is composed of elected councillors.
The governing structure is a Legislative Assembly, consisting of a president and members elected from the general populace. Inuit and non-Inuit residents are eligible to vote. The Nunatsiavut Legislative Assembly is based at the community of Hopedale. The town of Nain serves as the administrative centre.
Five Inuit community governments replace the former municipal governments at Nain, Hopedale, Rigolet, Makkovik and Postville. Each community government is headed by an AngajukKâk (chairperson) and is composed of elected councillors.
Municipal Government
Municipal government outside of Nunatsiavut is the responsibility of the Provincial Government, which is empowered to create, amalgamate or dissolve municipalities.
In Labrador there are 32 communities. Most are incorporated towns with an elected mayor and councillors. Communities which are not incorporated are Local Service Districts and have an elected advisory council for the management of municipal services.
All Labrador towns participate in the Combined Councils of Labrador. This organization strives to bring communities together to speak with a united voice for economic and social improvement in Labrador.
In Labrador there are 32 communities. Most are incorporated towns with an elected mayor and councillors. Communities which are not incorporated are Local Service Districts and have an elected advisory council for the management of municipal services.
All Labrador towns participate in the Combined Councils of Labrador. This organization strives to bring communities together to speak with a united voice for economic and social improvement in Labrador.
