Provincial ministers discuss transportation and safety issues with Atlantic colleagues

Walter Noel, Minister of Government Services and Lands, and Percy Barrett, Minister of Works Services and Transportation, feel Wednesday�s meeting of Atlantic transportation ministers in Halifax helped develop a regional consensus to be brought to the federal/provincial meeting in Winnipeg, September 20.

Minister Noel said: "I encouraged the other ministers to follow our example and ban the use of cell phones by drivers while driving. Ninety-five per cent of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians believe cell phone use by vehicle drivers is a serious safety problem. Some 30 countries throughout the world have implemented restrictions to date. The state of New York and certain local jurisdictions throughout North America have enacted prohibitions: Britain is about to, and many other jurisdictions are contemplating action. While it would be desirable to have consistency across the county with respect to this matter, our government has been prepared to act on our own. I intend to encourage all ministers to consider taking action, and have asked to have the issue added to our Winnipeg agenda.

"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is working diligently to help make driving safe and affordable. We have a Bill on the legislative agenda which would make Newfoundland and Labrador among the toughest and most progressive Canadian jurisdictions in dealing with impaired drivers, and another to appoint a consumer advocate to ensure public interests are properly represented at automobile insurance rate hearings before the Public Utilities Board."

Percy Barrett, Minister of Works Services and Transportation, said the Atlantic transportation ministers have many of the same concerns, particularly as they pertain to highway infrastructure. "At the annual meeting in Halifax on September 4, we agreed that regional input is critical on issues such as the national transportation policy, the need for a long-term highway funding program, the viability of smaller airports, transborder air service, timely and affordable access to flights in Atlantic Canada, and matters involving strategic transportation infrastructure.

"The federal government collects $4 billion a year in fuel tax from motorists, but reinvests only a small percentage in highway improvements and only for highways that are part of the National Highway System. The funding should not be as restrictive as it is. We're very concerned about regional trunk roads and the limitations of the definition of a national highway," said Minister Barrett. "I also think the federal government should also adopt a long-term national program for highway funding, similar to the U.S. approach, instead of negotiating short-term programs."

Minister Barrett said he is anxious to discuss those concerns at the national transportation ministers meetings in Winnipeg. "I am looking forward to having the opportunity to voice my concerns to Transport Minister David Collenette and other provincial and territorial ministers," said Minister Barrett. "Last year, the issue of lack of sustained highway funding was a common thread among the provinces and territories. I am anticipating similar arguments will be made this year. I am hoping the federal minister will recognize the legitimacy of our concerns and respond accordingly."

All Atlantic ministers called on the federal government to address issues such as improving air service by expanding the use of pre-clearance of air travelers, working to expand transborder air service, ensuring timely, affordable air service throughout Atlantic Canada and consideration of other strategic transportation infrastructure.

Media contacts: Rick Callahan, Government Services and Lands (709) 729-4860
                         Lynn Evans, Works, Services and Transportation (709) 729-3015

2002 09 06                                     5:10 p.m.