"Prior to the completion of the study into the Labrador Marine Service, the government has already published material stating that vehicle service is available from Lewisporte to Labrador (2004 Travel Guide, page 77)," said Ms. Jones. "The ferry service was moved to Cartwright for the 2003 season and limited freight service only was provided from Lewisporte.

"The study being conducted by Memorial University was scheduled to be in the hands of government by mid-February and I call on the Minister to immediately release the report when it is presented to government."

The Liberal MHA continues to voice her concern with the conflict of interest that Minister Rideout refuses to address and believes it raises several legitimate questions.

"I have stated all along that Minister Rideout has been in a conflict of interest and should remove himself from this file. It is not possible for a Minister to perform his ministerial and district duties at the same time in this situation. Once again, on January 12^th, the Minister addressed the Lewisporte Chamber of Commerce and displayed his personal view that he will do what he can to ensure the ferry service is returned to Lewisporte.

"The only way for this study and the decision-making process to be truly independent is for Minister Rideout to remove himself from the file. How can people in Labrador be assured the right decision will be made if the Minister is concerned only with his own district? Has the decision to move the service back to Lewisporte already been made? Will the Minister now do the right thing and remove himself from the file?"