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Opposition Leader Gerry Reid says a call for proposals from external
consultants to develop a vessel replacement strategy for the provincial
ferry fleet is a delay tactic and a waste of money.
He says government should instead keep the promise they made during the
last election. "In their Blue Book they promised they would replace some or
all of the provincial ferry fleet with new vessels built in this province.
Now nearly two years into their mandate, they are merely calling for
proposals for external consultants to develop a vessel replacement strategy.
This is simply not good enough. They are backing away from a clear promise
they made during the election," said Reid.
The promise made on page 24 of the Blue Book read:
Our vessel replacement policy will be guided by net economic benefits
to the province rather than acquisition cost. Using this principle, we
will be able to replace some or all of the Provincial ferry fleet with
new vessels built in the Province. Vessels built in our yards would be
up-to-date, and operate safely without needing major repairs or
replacement for 30 years. Skilled Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will
be employed in shipbuilding and work in supply, service and support
industries; and the Province will benefit from higher tax revenues.
"This government is developing a reputation for appointing task forces
and using expensive external consultants in cases where they should be
taking immediate action. They have done the same thing in relation to the
school repairs issue. This call for proposals on vessel replacement is yet
another case of the government stalling when they should be taking action,"
said Reid.
"There are officials who have been in the Department longer than some of
these vessels have been in service. The expertise is in the Department and
it is a waste of money for government to be calling for outside proposals in
this case."
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