Executive Council
March 11, 2015

Public Advisory: Air Foodlift Subsidy Implemented for South Coast-Straits of Labrador

The Provincial Government has implemented the Air Foodlift Subsidy (AFS) for communities impacted by the extreme ice conditions in the Strait of Bell Isle. Effective today (Wednesday, March 11), retailers along Labrador’s south coast and the Straits are eligible to take part in the program.

The AFS assists residents in Labrador’s isolated communities in accessing nutritious, perishable items such as fruits, vegetables and dairy products year-round with a subsidy paid to retailers to offset the cost of air freight into the communities. AFS policy states that if for some reason (inclement weather or mechanical failure) there is a stoppage of scheduled crossings of a marine vessel for an extended period of time, retailers in impacted communities would also be eligible to participate in the AFS program.

The AFS program will remain in effect for five days after regular scheduled marine service resumes. Retailers seeking further information may contact the Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs Office’s Program Coordinator, Jeannine Chaulk, at 709-896-1780.

The Department of Transportation and Works advises that the icebreaker CCGS Terry Fox is anticipated to arrive in St. Barbe later this afternoon. The Coast Guard will work to clear a path to escort the MV Apollo to Blanc Sablon. Updates on the arrival of the Terry Fox and progress on the escort will be provided by Labrador Marine Incorporated.

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Media contacts:

Vanessa Colman-Sadd Director of Communications Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs 709-729-1495, 682-6593 vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca

2015 03 11                             3:20 p.m.