AES closures will have harsh impact on Labrador coast, Nunatsiavut residents say

People in Nunatsiavut who used Advanced Education and Skills centres say the Newfoundland and Labrador government made a mistake shutting them down.

The centres in Nain and Hopedale have no longer been available for people to walk in to since April 30. They will shut their doors completely this Friday

Emma Hay, whoused the centre in Nain, said she willnow have to call the office in Happy Valley-Goose Bay to get help.

"We can't do it at banks, we can't do it at government offices. That [was] the only government office and we need their help," Hay told CBC News.

"My financial information, my income support, my child support. They kind of just supported us with what areas in our lives that we needed help with being an income support client."

She says the employees there knew her file and would help her navigate the system.

"It's hard to have to do that on our own and get referred to Goose Bay when we don't know who we're talking to with our own personal financial information," Hay said.

She added thatthere will belanguage issues for other people who will rely on a phone-based service.

Nain rep calls closure a huge loss

RichardPamak, ordinary member of the Nunatsiavut Government for Nain,took his displeasure of the decision to close the offices to social media.

In a post onFacebook, hecalledthe closure of the AES office a a huge blow to the community.

"At this time I would like to say thanks to two staff members affected by the closure for all that they have done for me and for this community and will be certainly missed," Pamak wrote.

He also encouraged people in Nain to contact Torngat MHA Randy Edmunds with their concerns about the budget.