Labrador Straits ferry service extended to January 5, 2004

Tom Rideout, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation and Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, announced today that the operating season for the Labrador Straits ferry, the M/V Apollo, will be extended from January 3, 2004 to January 5, 2004. The M/V Apollo, which operates ferry service between Blanc-Sablon and St. Barbe, will continue on its regularly scheduled ferry service during the two-day extension.

"We anticipated that the on-going reconstruction of the wharf in Blanc-Sablon would prevent us from being able to extend the season for the Apollo," stated Minister Rideout. "However, upon further review, it was determined that the extension is possible without causing delays in project completion and the ferry service beginning on time once again in May."

Trevor Taylor, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, agreed that "the decision to extend the Apollo�s schedule is an important one for those in the area, particularly students returning after the holidays, and we hope that the extension will provide them with increased convenience during a busy time of year." Minister Rideout added that "my hope is that the extension will provide residents and local businesses with an additional few days of travel just after the busy Christmas season."

Information regarding the M/V Apollo schedule is available at www.gov.nl.ca/FerryServices

Media contact:
          Deanne Hayward, Communications, WST (709) 729-3015/690-6419.
          Alex Marland, Communications, Labrador Affairs (709) 729- 3733/690-6047

2003 12 24                                       1:25 p.m.