Minister responds to ferry rate concerns raised by opposition member

Trevor Taylor, Minister of Transportation and Works, today responded to provincial ferry rate concerns raised by the opposition.

Minister Taylor reiterated that the department is currently undertaking a study on passenger ferry rates throughout the province to ensure rates are applied equitably.

"A ferry-rate review has been ongoing for some time now and this has been publicly acknowledged by myself and the former minister, Tom Rideout," said Minister Taylor.

"We hope to have this review completed in the near future which will address this equity issue."

Minister Taylor also pointed out these rates were in place under the former administration.

"I find it quite hypocritical that the opposition is raising concerns about ferry rates when they did nothing to deal with this issue when they were in power. Conversely, this Government is actually doing something about it," said Minister Taylor.

"In regards to the Norman Bay-Williams Harbour service rates, the opposition member who is making these complaints, Yvonne Jones, was a cabinet minister at the time that rate was set."

Media contact: David Salter, Transportation and Works, (709) 729-3015, 691-3577

2006 06 09                                 5:20 p.m.