Province Offering Additional Travel Services to Benefit Labrador Communities

The Williams Government is once again offering assistance to stranded residents of Williams Harbour and Norman Bay, Labrador. Additional runs have also been added to the schedule of the ferry M/V Apollo.

�We recognize that since the seasonal ferry service has ended in Williams Harbour and Norman Bay, and the ice conditions are too poor for residents to travel via snowmobile, that these communities are essentially cut-off,� said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works. �That is why, effective immediately, our government is putting in place measures to ensure residents are no longer stranded.�

For residents of Williams Harbour, the Provincial Government will once again pay 50 per cent of the cost of commercial airline travel between Williams Harbour and Port Hope Simpson, once a week. This subsidy will end as soon as ice conditions allow snowmobile travel to commence and is in addition to the existing Williams Harbour Air Transportation Subsidy offered through the Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs.

In Norman Bay, a helicopter service has been put in place for today (December 21) and tomorrow (December 22). If ice conditions do not improve enough for snowmobile travel next week, the helicopter service will be arranged for another two days during that week.

�This government recognizes the importance of maintaining essential and effective transportation links for people throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, particularly those living in remote and isolated communities who are especially challenged at this time of year," said the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs. "We are pleased to be responding, once again, to the transportation needs of Labradorians.�

The Department of Transportation and Works has also added extra departures for the M/V Apollo ferry service during the holiday season. The first extra run from Blanc Sablon to St. Barbe was yesterday. Additional runs will take place December 23, 27 and January 3. These departures have been added to the reservation system and are available to book on-line at www.labradormarine.com or by calling 1-866-535-2567.

�We are happy to have added runs to the schedule of the M/V Apollo,� said Minister Hedderson. �These extra sailings will make for a more enjoyable and convenient experience for those travelling during the busy festive season.�

- 30 -

Media contacts:

2009 12 21                                                    9:55 p.m.