Ministers encouraged Marine Atlantic negotiations to re-open; 
essential nature of service being addressed

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, and Percy Barrett, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, are very pleased that Claudette Bradshaw, federal Minister of Labour has asked the Canadian Industrial Relations Board to address the issue of essential services on Marine Atlantic's Gulf ferries. 

"For years, the government of Newfoundland and Labrador has impressed upon the federal government how important the smooth operation of the Marine Atlantic Ferry system is to the tourist industry and indeed, to the whole of the island part of our province," said Minister Aylward. "The recent improvements made to the ferry service which address capacity, for example, have helped consumer confidence in using the service and I want to see this continue. Finally our concerns are being seriously considered. I look forward to speaking with Ms. Bradshaw and passing on my thanks for her intervention."

Minister Barrett wrote federal Transport Minister David Collenette last week urging him to quickly resolve the labour situation and avoid a withdrawal of services by Marine Atlantic employees. In his letter, Mr. Barrett also requested a meeting with Mr. Collenette to discuss, in person, the labour situation at Marine Atlantic. "As provincial transportation minister, I want the opportunity to outline my concerns to Mr. Collenette and discuss how we can avoid future disruptions, or threats of disruption, to this essential service to our province," said Minister Barrett. "I share the same sense of relief of my colleague, Minister Kevin Aylward, that until the Canadian Industrial Relations Board makes its ruling, the threat of a disruption to the service has been halted."

Both ministers commend Minister Bradshaw for intervening in this matter, demonstrating that finally the federal government understands that indeed the ferry service is part of the highway to and from Newfoundland and Labrador and that it is a fundamental right of this province to have an uninterrupted and effective connection to the rest of Canada.

Media contact: Catherina Kennedy, Tourism, Culture and Recreation, (709) 729-0928.
Lynn Evans, Works, Services and Transportation, (709) 729-3015.

2001 08 07                                                     11:50 a.m.