Transportation and Works
November 18, 2014

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works:

Naming of the Bell Island Ferry Salutes Legionnaires and Bell Island Residents

Mr. Speaker, on Remembrance Day, I had the pleasure of attending a ceremony at the Royal Canadian Legion on Bell Island, where I joined residents, families, legionnaires and veterans to pay respect to men and women in service and to recognize the 100th anniversary of World War I.

The values and traditions of legionnaires and veterans in that room are felt across our province and country. As a way to help celebrate their contributions, the new ferry that will service Bell Island has been named the MV Legionnaire.

With every crossing it makes across the Bell Island Tickle, the MV Legionnaire will remind passengers of the selfless sacrifices made by those who have served or are currently serving their country, as well as the contributions of legionnaires to their communities. The ferry’s name also reinforces the pillars outlined in Honour 100, which was launched in 2013 and commemorates the centennial anniversaries of the First World War through to 2018.

Mr. Speaker, while celebrating the role of legionnaires, the new ferry also honours the contributions of four notable Bell Islanders with dedications on various parts of the vessel. The Harry Hibbs Observation Deck, the David Nish Jackman Lounge and the Tom Fitzgeralds’ Lounge – Senior and Big Tom, are named after individuals who reflect the diversity, culture and history of Bell Island.

Attendees of the ceremony were delighted with the name of the new ferry and appreciated its salute to the role of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in global conflicts. They were also pleased that well-known Bell Islanders were recognized as contributors to Bell Island’s history.

The new ferry’s arrival in February 2016 is much anticipated. The Bell Island ferry route is the busiest in the province, transporting more people and vehicles annually than Marine Atlantic. The new ferry will significantly improve the reliability and sustainability of ferry service to this busy port.

Mr. Speaker, in the coming weeks I look forward to being joined by my honourable colleague, the Member for The Isles of Notre Dame, to name the new ferry to service Fogo Island and Change Islands. I also look forward to making an announcement regarding new ferries to service Labrador, and continuing our efforts to further strengthen ferry service in our province.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2014 11 18                       1:55 p.m.