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Marine Atlantic rate increases not acceptable Provincial government hypocritical in approach February 8, 2007 Eddie Joyce, Opposition Transportation and Works Critic and MHA for the District of Bay of Islands, says he is totally against the rate increases announced by Marine Atlantic. While Joyce says he is opposed to these increases, he is very surprised by the hypocritical nature of the provincial government in announcing their opposition, especially since they have raised provincial ferry rates by 26 per cent since taking office. "I was disappointed with the announcement from Marine Atlantic that rates would be increasing for the gulf ferry service," said Mr. Joyce. "Not only do most goods come into this province by ferry, but many tourists use this service. I fear that any increase will raise the price of goods in this province and negatively impact our local tourism industry. Residents of the west coast have already experienced a decrease in tourism related business and I fear this latest increase will only reduce numbers again. I feel the federal government should re-evaluate this decision and take into account the impact this will have on our province. "I was also very surprised with the reaction of the provincial government. While Transportation Minister John Hickey and Tourism Minister Tom Hedderson were quick to oppose this decision, they certainly didn't give any indication that they would reverse the 26 per cent ferry rate increase their government instituted since 2003. As a result of that increase, many residents living on island communities throughout our province are finding it more difficult to travel off their islands. Many have also noticed a decrease in tourism related activities. The reaction of our government ministers is totally hypocritical and they should lead by example and live up to the promise in the Tory blue book to reduce rates to the same cost as road travel. "Marine Atlantic's announcement is certainly not good news for our province. I am not confident that any new money will be re-invested into the ferry service and I certainly not convinced that our service will be improved. This decision is wrong and I encourage our federal cabinet representative, Minister Hearn, to lobby his counterparts to have these rate increases reversed."
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