Province must push for better ferry service

The recent delays and cancellations in Marine Atlantic ferry services demonstrate a high degree of vulnerability for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

In recent weeks, we have seen numerous disruptions to the ferry service between North Sydney and Port aux Basques. While passengers have seen their travel plans interrupted, there have also been delays in the delivery of certain foods, mainly produce and certain categories of meats. In some supermarkets, store shelves are going bare with the delay in delivery.

The current situation raises several questions about the suitability of Marine Atlantic to deliver the service. Will the past two winter seasons be reflective of those we may see in the immedi- ate future? Are the ships employed by Marine Atlantic the right fit for the Cabot Strait? Beyond the current icebreaking service, is it time to consider an ice-breaking service committed solely to the Marine Atlantic ferry crossings?

It is clear to many in our province that the federal government has not made this vital service a priority. However the provincial government must also take on some of the responsibility, and press the issue with its federal counterparts.

For example, what overtures has the minister of Intergovernmental Affairs made to the Harper Conservatives to resolve situations as we have seen in the past few weeks? Has the provincial government requested a meeting with the minister of Transport Canada, Lisa Raitt, to seek answers on a more meaningful resolution? Have concerns about the security of our food supply and the flow of other goods and services to our province been addressed on a federal level?

This issue is of vital importance to our province and our residents. As a member of the official Opposition, I have joined our caucus is actively questioning what role the Davis government has taken in finding answers for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Now is not the time to sit back; instead we must be assertive in our approach and demand action from both levels of government.