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Judy Foote, Opposition Critic for the Department of Innovation, Trade and
Rural Development and MHA for the District of Grand Bank, says the recent
problems with ferry services in the province emphasizes the need to move
forward immediately with vessel replacement. "Rather than wasting a lot of
money to conduct an unnecessary study that will delay action for years, the
government should be doing what they said they would do during the last
election campaign," said Foote. "Residents of Long Island, St. Brendan’s and
other areas depending on provincial ferry services have expressed concern
with the age and reliability of the current ferry fleet."
The Liberal MHA points to the promise made by the Conservatives on page
24 of the Blue Book during the last election which stated;
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.
"People voted for PC candidates based on the commitments they made,
however the way they are backing away from keeping this commitment is yet
another example of broken promises from this government. This government
will soon be in the third year of their mandate and it is time they started
to accept responsibility for the problems which exist in the province. It is
no longer acceptable for them to blame this on someone else.
"The Marystown shipyard faces an uncertain future following the
successful completion of the Sea Rose FPSO for the White Rose oil field. A
work-force currently exists in Marystown that is capable of constructing
world-class vessels and should be utilized by the provincial government to
construct new ferries. If government does not soon take action on a vessel
replacement program, many of these skilled workers and their families will
leave this province in search of work."
The Liberal MHA says the quality and affordability of ferry service is a
very important part of the transportation infrastructure in this province.
"If this government is committed to rural development and rural areas of
this province they would not be playing games with this issue and using
stalling tactics. This is also another example of how this government is
allowing infrastructure in rural areas to deteriorate and not creating an
environment where development will occur."
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