Minister advises of closure dates for the Labrador shipping season

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced the closure dates for the 2004 Labrador shipping season.

"We are coming upon the end of what has been a successful shipping season," said Minister Rideout. "There is stability for the Labrador Marine Service and certainly for the residents and businesses that depend on it."

Those interested in shipping freight should be advised that all freight destined for Happy Valley-Goose Bay will be accepted in Lewisporte and Cartwright until 4:30 p.m. on November 9. The same date also applies to freight originating at Happy Valley-Goose Bay and destined for coastal Labrador ports and Lewisporte.

Freight to be shipped to coastal Labrador ports via Cartwright and Lewisporte will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on November 12.

"I wish to emphasize to residents, suppliers and local businesses that the department will not accept freight delivered to the terminal ports after these dates," said Minister Rideout. "Beginning tomorrow, October 8, the Sir Robert Bond will begin operating in full freight mode from all ports. We will be operating on a load-and-go basis to ensure that all freight offered by the above dates is delivered.

"Our government remains committed to getting our economy growing in a way that generates more jobs, investment, diversification and revenue in our communities," said the minister.

"Government has undertaken several major reviews to guide our thinking for the next few years. This will include the development of an infrastructure strategy for the province. One of the components of the infrastructure strategy will be the Labrador Marine Service.

"Our government plans to use our transportation resources in ways that will bring real benefits to the people, economy and treasury of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Rideout.

Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, Communications, (709) 729-3015 or (709) 690-8403

2004 10 07               3:50 p.m.