September 9, 1999
(Works, Services and Transportation)

Minister reconfirms consultations on provincial ferry services

Works, Services and Transportation Minister Rick Woodford says there is a process in place which will allow government to obtain the views and opinions of key stakeholders with respect to intra-provincial ferry rates and services.

Mr. Woodford said officials of his department will be meeting later this fall with user committees. He said stakeholders in each of the communities now serviced by the provincial ferry system will have an opportunity to be heard and to make their views known. The province currently operates ferry services in 16 different areas throughout the island portion of the province with a fleet of 21 vessels.

The minister said the decision to undertake a comprehensive policy review was taken earlier this year when he publicly announced government's decision to institute a freeze on provincial ferry rates. The minister said the meetings with the user committees will take place in the near future, probably commencing in October or immediately after the conclusion of the public forums on the Gulf Ferry service which are scheduled for mid-September.

Mr. Woodford said: "While our plan initially was to hold the meetings during the summer months, I acceded to a request by the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities to hold off because stakeholders groups and individuals would be on holidays and might therefore miss the opportunity to make their views known on this important matter."

The minister said officials are now holding discussions with user committees to determine a convenient time to undertake the policy review. He expects to be in a position to make a further public announcement with regard to the dates and times for the public policy review in about a week or so.

At the time of the announced freeze on intra-provincial rates (rates had already been frozen on the Labrador Coastal Service), Mr. Woodford said: "I received representation from most areas served by the ferry system seeking a review of the current ferry rate policy and I have also received a request from the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities also lending their support to a policy review. I believe the issues and concerns raised by the communities serviced by the ferries should be addressed."

The ferry rate structure which would see incremental fare increases each year from 1995-1999 was instituted in 1995. Mr. Woodford reiterated that there will not be any scheduled rate increases until completion of the policy review.

Media contact: Gary Callahan, (709) 729-3015.

1999 09 09 3:35 p.m.