The Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Transportation and Works, has just wrapped up meetings in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, with her counterparts from the other Atlantic provinces and says the regional ministers are unified in their demand for a better Marine Atlantic ferry service.

"As Atlantic Ministers of Transportation, we have a lot in common," said Minister Whalen. "This meeting gave us a good opportunity to share ideas. Of particular concern to Newfoundland and Labrador is the current state of the Marine Atlantic ferry service. The service is unreliable, the vessels are old and the rates are too high."

Minister Whalen made a presentation to her counterparts at the Annual Meeting of Atlantic Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety and was pleased to see other Atlantic transportation ministers share her concerns regarding Marine Atlantic.

"As a result of this meeting I have the support of my Atlantic colleagues in calling on the next Federal Government to provide new vessels and a reduction in rates," said Minister Whalen. "Atlantic ministers recognize the Marine Atlantic ferry service is important to the whole Atlantic Region, not just Newfoundland and Labrador."

Atlantic ministers also discussed infrastructure funding, private-public partnerships, low-speed vehicles, airports and the Atlantic Gateway.

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2008 09 15                                                   11:35 a.m.