Government says changes at the Labrador Affairs Secretariat are apart of realigning resources to address current challenges.

In a statement, they say the executive director position based in Labrador West was no longer required.

The position was created in 2012 at a time when the economy of Lab West was in a downturn due in part by lower prices being paid for iron ore.

Government says the Deputy Minister position for Labrador Affairs Secretariat, which was created by the Liberal government, remains in Happy Valley – Goose Bay along with other staff who support the entire Labrador region and is responsible for development, implementation and administration of provincial policies and programs respecting Labrador issues.

Earlier Story:

People are crying foul after the sudden closure of the Labrador Affairs office in Labrador West.

Labrador Affairs falls under the Premier’s Office, which had maintained two offices dedicated to Labrador Affairs: One in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, the other in Labrador West. The one in Goose Bay is operating as usual but the workers in Lab West have been let go.

NDP MHA Jordan Brown won the seat over the governing Liberals in the last election by two votes. He is trying to get some answers regarding the closure of the office, which is in his district.

Brown is concerned that this may only be the tip of the iceberg, and that the other office may be next. He says the move shows that government has little regard for Labrador Affairs.

Nick McGrath, a former PC cabinet minister, found the office to be a vital link between the people and government. He calls the closure frustrating.