Transportation and Works
November 27, 2006
Government Ensures Labrador Communities Can
Access Supplies
Government has taken steps today to
ensure residents of Williams Harbour and Norman Bay, Labrador, have more
access to essential supplies.
The Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works and
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, announced government will
provide a grant to the communities of Williams Harbour and Norman Bay to
enable freight to be shipped via longliner when their ferry service�s
annual contract expires on November 30.
The grant will be provided to the local service districts to lease a
longliner which will bridge the gap between the end of the contracted
ferry service (M.V. Challenge One) and the time winter freeze occurs.
�This government recognizes the challenges of isolation that people face
in these communities,� said Minister Hickey. �The goods and services
that most of us take for granted aren�t readily accessible for these
residents and we are pleased to help ensure vital supplies get into the
hands of those who need them.�
Minister Hickey says the department has contacted the chairs of both
local service districts, who welcomed government�s offer. The minister
also pointed out he has worked closely with the Combined Councils of
Labrador to ensure the issue was addressed.
The Department of Transportation and Works provides a contracted
passenger and freight service between the isolated communities of
Williams Harbour and Norman Bay which runs from June 9 to November 30
each year. Generally, operating beyond November 30 was impossible due to
winter freeze but in recent years the ice conditions have lessened. When
the ice freezes many residents use snowmobile to transport supplies.
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Media contact:
David Salter
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 691-3577
davidsalter@gov.nl.ca
2006 11 27
4:05 p.m. |