Update on status of ferry realignment

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, today reported on the status of government�s plan to realign the province�s ferry fleet, in order to repair the MV Winsor and ensure quality service for all users.

"Because of unavoidable delays at Long Island and elsewhere, government was unable to implement the ferry realignment previously announced, as quickly as we had hoped," said Minister Rideout. "The intention was to redeploy the vessels on Sunday. However, due to protests at Long Island, the Island Joiner was unable to leave on Sunday as planned."

According to the minister, "The situation at Long Island has been resolved and redeployment is now being implemented. We hope to have the MV Winsor back in approximately two to three weeks. When it returns to service, regular ferry routes will be resumed by all vessels.

"We wish to thank all the users of our provincial ferry service for their patience and cooperation, as government takes the necessary steps to maintain and repair the MV Winsor."

Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, Communications, (709) 729-3015

2005 05 18                                       12:35 p.m.