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News
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Government should upgrade ferry fleet and maintain current service October 10, 2006 |
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Opposition Leader Gerry Reid says government should follow recommendations
in a recently released report that calls for the upgrading of the province’s
ferries, however, he cautions government about reducing the service or
moving forward with privatization. "I represent a district with ferry service to Change Islands and Fogo Island," said Mr. Reid. "The ferry service to these communities is vital and people rely on their ferry for daily activities. Unfortunately, the current service is less than adequate and any further reduction would negatively impact the people and communities on these islands. "I also question the rationale being discussed to reduce service to island communities because of declining population. When the Earl Winsor was introduced on the Fogo Island and Change Islands run, capacity was added and there was a significant increase in visitors to these islands. Many people in our region believe that if there is a secure and reliable vessel in service, more people will visit. This will increase tourism opportunities, while at the same time providing local residents with the security they need to travel and do business. "While I support the recommendations of the vessel replacement strategy that calls for eight to nine new vessels to be constructed to replace older ferries, I have difficulty supporting a reduction in service or a privatized service. Residents in my district fear that any reduction in service will have a negative impact on their local economies and their livelihood, and certainly would not benefit their region. "I think everyone in the province agrees that new ferries are a necessity. The challenge that government must examine is whether they will make the appropriate investment to upgrade the ferry fleet without reducing service. It would certainly be unacceptable to force island communities to experience any diminished service as a cost-saving measure. "This government promised in their 2003 election bluebook to replace aging ferries with new, built in Newfoundland and Labrador vessels. Unlike their broken election promise to lower ferry rates and instead increase them by 26 per cent, government must act to fulfill this promise. New vessels are certainly needed, but government should not sacrifice service to achieve this goal. "
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