Minister announces awarding of contract for Sir Robert Bond refit

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced that a contract has been awarded for the annual refit and inspection of the MV Sir Robert Bond.

Budget 2005 allocated $2.97 million for refits to the MV Sir Robert Bond and MV Northern Ranger, which are part of the Labrador Marine Service. Newdock of St. John�s has been awarded a contract valued at over $2 million for the annual refit of the Sir Robert Bond. The Bond�s annual refit and inspection is required by Transport Canada.

Minister Rideout said, "This contract will provide for improvements to the vessel through the addition of more seating, additional overnight accommodations and the installation of an elevator to improve the vessel�s accessibility. Our government endeavours to make our vessels accessible to all individuals including those who may need assistance with boarding a vessel in our fleet."

Last year, Transportation and Works made alterations to the MV Northern Ranger, another vessel that is part of the Labrador Marine Service. The department installed a new portable wheelchair lift/ramp on the Ranger.

"The department also made a number of positive changes to the Labrador Marine Service during the past year. In December 2004, we released the 2005 schedule for the Sir Robert Bond and other vessels that comprise the Labrador Marine Service," said the minister. "I have been advised that this is the earliest the schedule has ever been available since the service was taken over provincially."

"The people of this province depend upon a strong, quality infrastructure. Our government recognizes that ferries and marine infrastructure are very important to the people who use them everyday," said the minister. "To that end, another $4 million has been budgeted for annual and mid-life vessel refits for ferries that serve the island, representing a $1.6 million increase over the 2004-05 budget year. The overall increase for the province is $3.1 million."

"These strategic investments will enable our government to provide for a stable ferry service over the long-term. As we are guiding the province toward economic and fiscal stability, we continue to provide for the critical services that the public depend on," said Minister Rideout.

"Government is committed to providing safe and reliable vessels for the people of the province and providing quality ferry service to the people of Labrador. Just as stability and reliability were the hallmarks of the 2004 shipping season, the department anticipates that the 2005 season will be just as effective."

Ministerial Statement

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

2005 03 22       2:00 p.m.