October 4, 1999
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Province calls on federal government to acquire new ferry

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Recreation, and Rick Woodford, Minister of Works, Services, and Transportation, today released the report on the gulf ferry forum entitled, On Deck and Below, which makes a number of recommendations, including calls for additional ferry capacity and service improvements.

The ministers were joined by industry representatives Stelman Flynn of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador (HNL), Bob Baker and Greer Hunt of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association, and Emerson Hounsell of the Newfoundland and Labrador Chamber of Commerce. Oliver Langdon, Minister of Environment and Labour, was also on hand for the announcement. Walter Noel, Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs, who had co-hosted the forum with the other two Ministers was unable to attend due to other commitments out of the province.

The province believes that the gulf ferry service is key to transporting people and goods to and from Newfoundland and Labrador. It believes that the continued growth of the economy is placing increased stress on the service and that there is an immediate need to address capacity.

The forum provided key stakeholders with an opportunity to express their views and concerns with respect to all aspects of the gulf ferry service and was seen as an exercise in public partnerships. The forums stimulated constructive views and criticisms. The report put forth by the panel today accurately reflects the many comments forwarded to government by companies, groups and individuals throughout the province.

The recommendations of the report represent the views of the provincial government, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association. The report contains 24 recommendations including the need to change the vessel refit schedule, purchase or lease a night ferry to expand capacity, empower the Board to make decisions, restructure the board of directors, and freeze ferry rates.

Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador President Stelman Flynn, is satisfied that the report represents the views expressed by the participants and the general public. "In taking this report to Ottawa we can feel confident that we have the general support of residents and stakeholders from across the province for the recommendations put forth."

"The gulf ferry service is vital to the continued development of our provincial economy," says Emerson Hounsell, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Chamber of Commerce. "The numbers and quality of input received by the panel during the forums demonstrates to the federal government there is province-wide concern about the level of service we are currently receiving on the gulf. The presentations also further reinforced the issues highlighted in our round table committee report and has brought the issue of capacity, in particular, to the forefront and the need for immediate resolution."

Bob Baker and Greer Hunt of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association echoed others' comments: "The Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association is in full support of the process that has been carried out by the provincial government and agree with the recommendations put forward by our committee."

The forum report makes reference to the fact that traffic growth has outpaced capacity and that the federal government has to address gulf ferry issues in the short and long term. According to the report, there are many negative economic impacts including spoilage of produce, loss of income for truckers, delays in receiving goods, as well as discouraged tourists.

Forums were well-attended, with 73 individuals/groups making formal presentations and many more coming forward to speak during the open-microphone portion of the session. In addition, a large number of briefs, letters, e-mails, faxes and telephone messages conveyed the views of the public to forum organizers.

The three provincial ministers expressed optimism that the federal government will take immediate steps to address problems identified at the province-wide forums, and are looking for a prompt decision to ensure a new ferry for 2000. The ministers also expressed their thanks to the Honourable George Baker for attending most of the meetings, and for demonstrating his interest in this issue. They also conveyed sincere appreciation to all the partners for their participation in the forum process.

Copies of the report can be obtained from the Director of Communications, Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, by calling (709) 729-0928. or by viewing the government web page:  www.gov.nl.ca/

Media contacts:

Tara Laing
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
Tel: (709) 729-0928

Gary Callahan
Department of Works, Services and Transportation
Tel: (709) 729-3015

1999 10 04 2:45 p.m.