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Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
February 17, 2010

Minister Corrects Misinformation from Opposition

Today, the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs, clarified misinformation recently distributed by Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones regarding the Air Foodlift Subsidy (AFS) program.

The minister pointed out that the AFS is not "suspended" for some communities on the South Coast and Straits of Labrador, as Ms Jones has suggested, nor is it intended as a subsidy for the benefit of private businesses. The subsidy is strictly for isolated communities that are inaccessible by marine service during the winter season.

"The cost of transporting perishable items by air is an expensive undertaking," said Minister Hickey. "Thanks to recent enhancements to transportation infrastructure, we are reducing the need to fly goods into the South Coast and Straits and therefore reliance on the Air Foodlift Subsidy is greatly lessened."

Minister Hickey explained that in previous years, the South Coast and Straits regions were eligible for the AFS five days after the MV Apollo ceased operations for the winter. This year, a pilot project commenced in February that has the MV Sir Robert Bond continuing service between the Labrador Straits and Corner Brook. As a result of this unprecedented extension to the marine service, South Coast and Straits communities will be eligible for the subsidy only if the marine service is unavailable due to weather or mechanical failure. Meanwhile, the isolated communities of Black Tickle and William's Harbour will remain eligible as they are not connected to the Trans Labrador Highway.

Minister Hickey also took the opportunity to respond to remarks made by Ms. Jones that questioned his commitment to Labradorians.

"My commitment to Labradorians has never wavered," said Minister Hickey. "By spreading misinformation and attempting to diminish the positive work being done by the Provincial Government, Ms. Jones attempts to obscure the fact that this government is making tremendous achievements throughout Labrador."

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Media contact:

John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
709-729-1674, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

2010 02 17                                                       3:10 p.m.
 


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