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Oliver Langdon, MHA for the district of Fortune Bay -
Cape La Hune says he is bringing forward a private members motion related to
ferry rates in this province because he is concerned for the future of rural
areas of this province. "The drastic rate
increases announced in the 2004 provincial budget are a dramatic break from
what the PC party promised in their Blue Book from the last election and it
will have a devastating impact on the future of communities that depend on
this service," says Langdon.
On page 24 of the PC Party Blue Book it specifically
states that a Progressive Conservative government will;
phase in adjustments over a 5 year period to bring
rates on provincial ferry routes in line with the cost of highway travel.
In the Budget Speech, the Minister of finance
announced a 25% increase over three years.
Langdon says what is happening with the ferry rates
around this province is another clear example of how this right wing
Conservative government is breaking commitments they made during the
election. "This is a clear case where they have said one thing and are now
doing something completely opposite. This also shows the lack of commitment
to rural areas of this province. With everything that is happening it is
almost like they have a plan to force people to move away. I am very
concerned about the direction of this government after only six months in
power."
Langdon’s motion on ferry rates is scheduled to be
debated in the House of Assembly this afternoon. A copy is attached.
Private Members Motion on Ferry Rates
MR. OLIVER LANGDON (Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune) -- To
Move:
"WHEREAS the government committed in
their election platform to reduce ferry rates to the equivalent of road
travel;
AND WHEREAS the
recent budget saw increases of 25% instead;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
that the House of Assembly call upon the government to recommit to its
stated plan and log out a time line for when the people of the province can
expect the plan to be implemented." |