August 8, 1997
(Works, Services and Transportation)

Minister meets with federal counterpart in Ottawa

On Thursday, August 7, Lloyd Matthews, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, met with federal Transport Minister David Collenette to discuss a variety of issues of extreme importance to the province. Those issues included acceleration of cash flow for transportation agreements; funding for transportation in Labrador; and relocation of Marine Atlantic headquarters.

Mr. Matthews said: "Mr. Collenette and I had a very frank, informative, positive meeting. He fully understood the province's desire to complete some of the projects funded under the Roads for Rails Agreement, such as the Outer Ring Road, as soon as possible. We agreed that federal and provincial staff should immediately begin talks aimed at acceleration of funding.

Federal and provincial officials will also review our transportation funding requirements in Labrador.

"I advised Mr. Collenette of the province's acute need for additional ferry capacity and our interest in the MV Prince Edward, a ferry made available with the opening of the Confederation Bridge to PEI. Transport officials are aware of our interests and will work with us on this.

"With respect to Marine Atlantic, Mr. Collenette said Transport Canada has no plans for further devolution. He did agree that our request to have Marine Atlantic based in Newfoundland was logical and appropriate. He will discuss this issue with Marine Atlantic president Rod Morrison in the near future.

"Mr. Collenette confirmed that Gander International Airport will be listed in the regulations requiring provision of fire fighting services. He also said that Transport Canada will not be removing fire fighting equipment from Newfoundland and Labrador airports.

"I also put forward the province's desire to have more foreign air carriers access airports in Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr. Collenette advised that Foreign Affairs Canada will be meeting with Iceland later this month to develop a bilateral agreement on air access.

"We also discussed the need for improvements to the St. John's airport terminal building. Mr. Collenette said he will review the matter and ensure that actions taken in St. John's are on a par with actions taken in other parts of the country.

"I reaffirmed with Mr. Collenette Canada's commitment in the Labrador Transportation Initiative to have Marine Atlantic treat the employees in the Labrador service in a similar manner as employees who were severed from the PEI service and the Fundy service. I also advised him of the concerns raised by the unions as to Marine Atlantic's apparent position on seasonal workers. Mr. Collenette said that they would meet their commitment.

"I look forward to progress on these issues and to future meetings with my federal colleague."

Contact: Rick Callahan, Director of Communications, (709) 729-4860.