Due to the presence of severe ice conditions in the region, the Labrador marine service which was scheduled to commence next week, will be delayed for a week to allow conditions to improve.

As such, the Sir Robert Bond, which services Lewisporte-Cartwright-Goose Bay, the Northern Ranger, which runs from Goose Bay-Nain and the Astron, which services the North Labrador Coast, will remain out of service.

The Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, says although the delay is inconvenient, the safety of crew members, passengers and the ferries themselves, are the primary concern.

"The combination of fast-moving ice, pack ice and high winds have made for dangerous conditions and we are left with no other choice but to postpone the service," said Minister Hickey. "Furthermore, I have been advised by Canadian Ice Services that icebreakers would even have difficulty operating in these conditions.

"I recognize how important it is to have this service up and running but unfortunately, right now, we are in a wait-and-see situation. Hopefully the wait won�t be too much longer."

Because of the postponement, the Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs will extend the Air Foodlift Subsidy until the ferry service begins.

The Department of Transportation and Works will update the status of the marine service next week.

-30-