Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones says she is extremely disappointed with the cancellation of the Joint Support Ship (JSS) contract and feels that both the provincial and federal governments are letting their political dispute get in the way of progress for areas such as the Burin Peninsula.

"Earlier this week, Business Minister Paul Oram indicated that the poor state of federal-provincial relations could have been a reason that the JSS contract was cancelled," said Ms. Jones. "It should come as no surprise that this dispute between the two governments did not help in this situation, and there could be other instances in the future.

"I found it very strange that Paul Oram was the spokesperson designated by government to launch the verbal attack on the federal government. This is the same minister who has millions of dollars in his budget for business attraction in the province, yet did nothing to help establish a graving dock at the Marystown Shipyard. Instead, his department sat on $25 million and did not spend a cent.

"Minister Oram also stated in media reports that he was given indications last month by two federal ministers that government was looking to build the vessels overseas, and not in Marystown. Yet, earlier this month the Prime Minister was in the province and neither the Premier, nor any of his ministers attempted to meet to discuss this contract. Why wasn’t the Prime Minister challenged then, instead of this information coming forward after the fact?

"There are also questions as to the status of the ferry contracts promised to be built in Marystown. We have heard very little about the status of these ferries, while workers in the region are waiting anxiously to find out whether they should wait around or move out west for work. The potential Hebron work that may be awarded to the Kiewit facility won’t happen for another five or six years, but people need some assurance and timeframes that there will be employment at the yard in the interim.

"Marystown was well-suited and qualified for the JSS contract that was cancelled. If the poor state of federal-provincial relations played a role in this decision, as stated by the Minister of Business, maybe the time has come for the relationship to be improved. Further confrontation and strife will only lead to more cancellations in the future which will be of no benefit to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Maybe a reconciliation meeting, instead of the "ABC" campaign, would have more success in getting these contracts moving forward."

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