Labrador residents will be keeping a close eye on the two regional ministers appointed this week to the provincial cabinet.

Premier Danny Williams tapped both John Hickey and Patty Pottle on Wednesday to serve in cabinet — a change from Williams's first cabinet in 2003, when no one from Labrador made it to the cabinet table.

Patty Pottle was appointed minister of aboriginal affairs in this week's cabinet shuffle.
(CBC)

"That was the big cry that came from all across Labrador — we should have representation at that table," said Leo Abbass, the mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

"Now we have two cabinet ministers at that table who I know will speak strongly on the issues that face us here in Labrador."

Pottle was appointed minister of aboriginal affairs, while Hickey, who had been appointed transportation and works minister in 2006, retained only his responsibility for Labrador Affairs.

Both portfolios have historically been add-ons tacked to the responsibilities of ministers representing larger portfolios.

Yvonne Jones, the Liberal representative for the southern Labrador district of Cartwright-L'Anse au Clair, said she is glad the governing Progressive Conservatives have brought two Labradorians into cabinet.

However, she said, if the Labrador Affairs Department is going to stand on its own, it needs to have the appropriate clout and resources.

"It has to be more than window dressing for the people for Labrador," said Jones.

"It has to be a department that has some teeth, some real substance, that has some real decision-making power."

Hickey said he is looking forward to being able to focus on his portfolio.

"I have to be the advocate for the Department of Labrador Affairs. I'm the advocate for Labrador," Hickey said.

However, most programs and services in Labrador fall under other departments. The air foodlift subsidy is one of the only services the department administers.

Pottle, the rookie MHA for Torngat Mountains, said her top priority is to tackle the social problems that plague aboriginal communities in Labrador.

"I just hope that being an aboriginal woman from one of the aboriginal communities that I will be able to bring a lot to the table and hopefully address some of the issues and concerns that are there," said Pottle, a businesswoman from Hopedale.

Peter Penashue, a veteran activist in Innu politics, said he is cautious about Pottle's lack of political experience.

"I'm concerned about that, but I think she's up to it," he said.

"Obviously if the premier didn't feel she was up to it, she wouldn't be appointed to that post."