"The opposition forwarded a request under the Freedom of Information Act on February 18, 2004 and received a letter back yesterday," said Ms. Jones. "In the letter, received on the last day of the 30 day window allowed under the legislation, the Department of Transportation and Works stated that they will not release the report. They are hiding the report behind a clause which exempts materials that provide advice to ministers and cabinet.

"In their Blue Book, the PC Party committed to releasing all reports within a 30 day time period in both print and electronic form. Not only have they surpassed their own 30 day time-frame, they have told us as an opposition that the report will not be given to us. A key theme in yesterday’s Throne Speech was openness and accountability. It is ironic that at the same time this speech was being read in the House of Assembly, we received the letter telling us they would withhold the report. This government has a very short memory."

The Liberal MHA is concerned that Minister Rideout has read the report, does not like the findings, and is trying to find some way to prevent the ferry from staying in Cartwright.

"I have stated all along that the minister is in a conflict position and should have removed himself from the file. He refused to do this, accepted the report over a month ago, and is now refusing to let anyone else see it’s contents. The government has had numerous cabinet meetings over the past month, and it is time that the information is made public."

Ms. Jones says the inability of this government to make a decision is hurting the Labrador tourism industry, which is slated for startup in about a month.

"It is not possible for people to make plans for the summer tourism season since we have no idea where the ferry will sail, or on what schedule it will operate. I receive daily phone calls from tourism operators who have been saying for several months that their businesses are hurting due to the stalling of government in making a decision."