April 8, 1998
(Works, Services and Transportation)
Collenette's decision on Marine Atlantic
headquarters very disappointing
Speaking on behalf of Works, Services and
Transportation Minister Lloyd Matthews, Art Reid today expressed
government's surprise and disappointment with Federal
Transportation Minister David Collenette's decision regarding
Marine Atlantic headquarters.
"While we are happy that Port aux Basques
will receive some additional jobs, we cannot understand the
rationale for establishing most of the Marine Atlantic management
in Nova Scotia. The Gulf service exists for the sole purpose of
providing an essential transportation link between Newfoundland
and the rest of Canada. It would be logical that the full service
be managed from Newfoundland and Labrador."
Mr. Reid added: "The province received no
advance notice of this decision, either from the minister
responsible - Mr. Collenette - or from the regional minister,
Fred Mifflin, whose responsibility it is to look out for this
province's interests."
The minister said the government can not
understand the timing either. "The House of Assembly is in
recess. The release arrives at the end of the day. There is no
advance notice. We certainly question the approach by the federal
government on this matter."
"Since we do not understand - and have not
been told the rationale - it is incumbent on the Transport
Minister, Mr. Collenette, and on Fred Mifflin - to come to
Newfoundland and explain this incomprehensible and unfair
decision - a decision which we take as a slap in the face to
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."
Contact: Gary Callahan, (709) 729-3412.
1998 04 08 5:35 p.m.
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