Expo Labrador 2016 aims for diversification

The 21st Expo Labrador hopes to inject some new energy into the local economy, as the conferenceshifts focus from the flatliningnatural resource sector to other industries.

• Labrador Expo 2016 official site

"There are ways and means that we believe we can improve the economyhere in Labrador through other, smaller sectors," Expo Chair Ernie McLean told CBC Radio's Labrador Morning, adding attendance numbers are slightly down from previous years.

"Our numbers reflect the fact that there arechallenges,certainly, in the natural resource sector this year."

McLean cited tourism, fishing and transportation as areas the expo would zero in on from Monday to Wednesday.

Eye on the eastern Arctic

Transportation is foremost among those for McLean.

He's putemphasis on developing infrastructure in Happy Valley-Goose Bay in order to service marine travel between the town and the eastern Arctic,once Iqaluit'sdeep water port opens, in as early as 2020.

• Shipping company says Labrador is a lucrative gateway to the North

• Ferry service between Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Iqaluit on the horizon

"We wanted to capitalize on that and make sure that we're in a position to be able to offer that service out of this area, rather than have the sea lift continue out of other areas," McLean said.

That marine transportation service is projected toallow for freight and cars to roll on and roll off, which would require upgrades to Happy Valley-Goose Bay's port.

"There has to be improvements made, certainly," said McLean, adding those improvements extend beyond simply servicing the Arctic, and must include developing the area's tourism.

Expo 2016's morning sessions are open only to delegates, butMonday and Tuesday afternoon's trade show is open to the public.