The health minister is defending the decision to have Labrador included with the Northern Peninsula under the new provincial health authority.

NDP MHA Lela Evans has asked government to give Labrador its own health council, believing that the unique needs of the region would not be captured if included with the Northern Peninsula. But she says she was told that would not be happening.

Minister Tom Osborne argues that Evans’ request was not denied per se. They spoke with the interim board for the region about the move and, as an example, Osborne says the south coast of Labrador is best serviced through St. Anthony.

Instead, Osborne zones in on the regional focus of the health councils. He assures that Labrador will be represented under the new health authority and their voices will be heard.