Marine Atlantic chairperson should come from this province: Minister Hickey

John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works, is encouraging Lawrence Cannon, the federal Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure and Communities, to hire a Newfoundlander and Labradorian as the new chairperson for Marine Atlantic.

Minister Hickey adamantly believes Newfoundland and Labrador would be best served with someone from this province at the helm of Marine Atlantic.

�This constitutionally-guaranteed service provides an essential link to our people and our economy and is basically an extension of the Trans-Canada Highway,� said Minister Hickey.

�The Marine Atlantic service can be improved by hiring a chairperson with an intimate awareness of how integral the service is to the lifeblood of Newfoundland and Labrador. The chairperson is someone who needs to have a firm grasp of this relationship.

�So therefore, I have asked Minister Cannon to ensure that Marine Atlantic only give consideration to full-time residents of this province when selecting a new chairperson. I have also expressed my opinion that at least half of the board members should come from this province as well.�

In addition, Minister Hickey noted he will be bringing these concerns to the attention of Loyola Hearn, MP St. John�s South-Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador�s representative in the federal cabinet.

Marine Atlantic is a Canadian federal Crown corporation that provides a vital marine transportation link across the Cabot Strait between Newfoundland and Labrador and mainland Canada.

Media contact: David Salter, Communications, (709) 729-3015, 691-3577

2006 09 06                                  3:10 p.m.