News Release
Office of the Official Opposition

Jones raises issue of cell phone coverage
June 13, 2007

Yvonne Jones, MHA for the District of Cartwright-L’Anse au Clair, today questioned the Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development in the House of Assembly on whether government was prepared to work in partnership with private companies to see cellular phone services offered in rural areas not currently served.

"I have presented a number of petitions to the House of Assembly from residents in the district I represent asking government to provide cell phone services in the southern Labrador region, especially on the section of highway from L’Anse au Loup to Cartwright," says Jones. "I know similar situations exist in other parts of the province and I think there is a role for government to play in working with the private sector to make this happen."

The Liberal MHA says she was encouraged by the fact that Minister Taylor did not rule out the possibility. In his response, the minister made reference to an ongoing process within government to evaluate the costs and to identify options for expanding coverage. "The extension of cell phone service is a very important safety matter in districts such as the one I represent. There are huge distances and being out of contact can be a matter of life and death."

Jones also noted that it is increasingly important to have these types of services available from an economic development point of view. "It is important that people who want to do business in our area be able to connect with the rest of the world whenever they want, and that visitors to our area be able to do the same."

The MHA also noted that she expects the cost to government of providing expanded cell phone service around the province would only be small in comparison to the $15 million given to the premier’s business associates in the fibre-optic deal.

Media Contact:
Kim Ploughman
Caucus Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6427