Coastal Labrador challenges highlight Jones’ pre-budget submission

The challenges facing people living on the south coast of Labrador were highlighted by the MHA for the District of Cartwright-L’Anse au Clair, Yvonne Jones, in her written pre-budget submission to the Minister of Finance.

“There are a number of very important issues facing my district and I provided a written submission to the Minister of Finance highlighting these priorities,” said Ms. Jones. “I have asked the minister for consideration in addressing these issues during the budgetary process and I am hopeful that he will see the importance of these initiatives for the people of southern Labrador.”

Jones says that there are a number of issues that are important to the region, but she took the opportunity to highlight specific initiatives that are the priority for residents in the area; a commitment for year round transportation, subsidization of commercial diesel rates, improvements to the medical transportation assistance program, high speed internet access and cell phone coverage.  She noted there are other issues such as improved health care, road work, municipal infrastructure, resource development, and ferry services for Black Tickle.  Residents have stressed the importance of having all of these issues addressed immediately.

“While government has launched a pilot project for year-round ferry service into Corner Brook this year, there certainly needs to be a northern peninsula solution for the long-term. Whether government decides to move forward with a replacement ferry with upgraded ports on both sides of the Strait of Belle Isle or a fixed link, one of these options must be chosen and a plan put in place to move these options forward. Improved transportation will play a significant role in the future growth of our region and greater investment by government is needed to strengthen our transportation network on a year-round basis.

“I have also asked the minister to subsidize the cost of commercial diesel power in coastal Labrador to bring it in line with rates in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Labrador West. Businesses on the coast of Labrador pay triple or quadruple the amount paid for electricity in other areas of the province and this is acting as a deterrent for new businesses that want to establish operations in our region. Establishing rates that are comparable to the rest of Labrador will certainly encourage new business investment and opportunity in our communities.

“There also needs to be greater investment in the medical transportation assistance program to include road transportation access. The excessive costs of traveling by road to St. Anthony, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Corner Brook and St. John’s, and the inability to receive reimbursement for these costs is acting as a significant impediment for patients to access efficient and affordable health care services and this must be addressed.

“There are many issues throughout my district that are very important and deserve recognition and investment from government. I have highlighted major issues in my budget submission and I am hopeful Minister Marshall will take these issues into consideration when he is making his budgetary decisions.”

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