Minister provides additional information on the extension for the MV Apollo ferry service

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, today provided additional information on a five-day extension for the MV Apollo. The Apollo will now run until Saturday, January 8, 2005.

Minister Rideout said: "Our government is committed to meeting the needs of local residents and businesses. We have received representations from local stakeholders to have an extension for the schedule of the Apollo. Our government recognizes the needs of residents and businesses on the northern peninsula and the south coast of Labrador who rely on the Apollo."

The extension in the schedule of the Apollo will coincide with the reopening of post-secondary schools and will provide transportation for post-secondary students traveling to their respective institutions on the island.

Effective December 20, the Apollo will, once again, overnight in Blanc Sablon. Minister Rideout said: "As a result of a commitment made to the Government of Canada by the previous administration, the Apollo has not been docking overnight in St. Barbe. As we said earlier this year, it was a temporary arrangement for the 2004 season. The Apollo will now be docked in Blanc Sablon for the remainder of 2004 and for the 2005 season.

"Government recognizes that a reliable infrastructure system is critical for the future of this province. We are developing an infrastructure strategy to guide investment in a manner that promotes growth," said the minister. "Our government remains committed to getting our economy growing in a way that generates more jobs and brings real benefits to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador."

The MV Apollo runs between St. Barbe on the northern peninsula and Blanc Sablon, Quebec.

A copy of the schedule for the Apollo is available at: //www.gov.nl.ca/FerryServices/schedules/J-apollo.stm

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

2004 12 17                                 11:50 a.m.