Transportation Committee being established on Labrador�s north coast

The level of ferry service to communities along northern and southern coastal Labrador will remain the same for 2002-2003, with the exception of southern Labrador ports with access to the Trans-Labrador Highway. Ernest McLean, Minister of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, and Percy Barrett, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, made the announcement today in conjunction with Cartwright L�Anse au Clair MHA Yvonne Jones and Torngat Mountains MHA Wally Andersen.

"We have decided to keep the ferry services status quo until then so that we can further consult with communities about what their marine service needs are for the future," said Mr. McLean. "A transportation committee, made up of representatives from the north coast communities, will be established to seek input from those who depend on marine services and make a final report by the fall."

Over the next several months, government will do further consultation with communities on the north coast to determine the appropriate vessels and configuration to service northern communities. This consultation will be done through a committee, similar to the Southern Labrador Transportation Committee formed last year. The committee will meet with the northern communities throughout the summer to formalize their marine service needs for the future and submit a report to government by the end of September.

"Everyone knew the time would come, as more communities linked up to the highway, when we would have to re-assess our ferry needs along the coast," said Mr. Barrett. "We are now at that stage and look forward to working with the communities to determine specifically what these needs are and develop an appropriate plan."

Mr. Andersen said he welcomes the establishment of the new committee. "The public consultations will give people of the north coast ample opportunity to hold public meetings and develop recommendations on the type of service necessary to adequately serve northern communities," he said.

Media contacts: 
Bert Pomeroy, Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, (709) 896-3099
Lynn Evans, Works, Services and Transportation, (709) 729-3015

2001 05 29                                                       2:45 p.m.