For the first time since he was elected, federal MP Peter Penashue will visit the southern Labrador community of Black Tickle.

Penashue will attend a community meeting Thursday afternoon.

It's been a rough year for the community. The local fish plant closed, there have been problems with the water supply, and fire damaged the power plant.

The issue of resettling to the mainland has been discussed in the community since Quinlan Brothers closed the crab plant last spring. About 70 people had worked there – a sizable portion of the population. 168 people were counted in the 2011 census.

Black Tickle residents are hoping Penashue can help them out. Laura Keefe says she's been urging people to turn out for the meeting.

"I don't know what's going to become of this meeting, but I'm really hoping that we get a good turnout from the community," said Keefe. "People are vocal, and they'll let him know that we have honest-to-God concerns here, and we need real help."

"People here are used to seeing government officials when it's election time," added Keefe. I don't think it's an election so I'm hoping it's because he's honestly, truly interested in helping."