Contract extension announced for MV Northern Ranger

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced that the contract to Labrador Marine Incorporated for operation of the MV Northern Ranger on north coast of Labrador has been extended.

Minister Rideout said: �The existing contract was awarded in 2003 and we are now exercising an option to renew this contract for an additional two years. This extension will commence on April 1, 2006. The department is extremely pleased with the service that the current operator has provided to the north coast of Labrador. Much positive feedback has been received on the operation of the vessel from residents throughout Labrador.�

The minister added that the quality of the service provided by the MV Northern Ranger continues to increase.

�Last year, the department announced the addition of a cooler to the vessel,� said Minister Rideout. �The purpose of adding this cooler was to improve the overall level of service, in the delivery of fresh produce and milk, to the residents of coastal Labrador. We feel that we have attained this goal.�

Minister Rideout reiterated government�s commitment to those who depend on the Labrador Marine Service.

�Over the past several months, government has made a number of positive changes to the Labrador Marine Service,� said the minister. �The schedule for the 2005 operation was released last December, which is the earliest that this schedule has been made available. Also, during this budget year, $2.97 million was provided for refits to the Northern Ranger and the Sir Robert Bond. As well, the passenger allocation was increased on the Sir Robert Bond.�

�As a result of these changes,� continued the minister, �the Labrador Marine Service is currently operating very effectively. Our government will continue to provide quality service for the residents of Labrador. Government has reviewed and responded to the transportation needs of this region and this will continue as we move forward in our mandate.�

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

2005 11 01                   12:10 p.m.