Minister out of touch with Labrador issues 

Labrador Affairs Minister John Hickey again proved today he has lost touch with issues of importance to Labradorians and is not doing his job effectively for the people he is supposed to represent, says Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones.

Earlier today, Minister Hickey issued a press release announcing that the airlift food subsidy to Labrador communities would be suspended due to improved transportation networks in the region. Jones says she recently contacted staff in the minister’s office on behalf of Labrador Strait Air who was to provide airlift service and was assured the subsidy would stay in place until the end of March. Today, the program was suspended without any prior notice to Labrador Strait Air and businesses that rely on this funding to provide affordable, nutritious food to local residents.

“Businesses in my district made plans on the basis that this subsidy would be in place and certainly not suspended in mid-season,” said Ms. Jones. “Labrador Strait Air has provided this service for 20 years, filled the gap and provided service when government would not. This company has already leased an airplane and was ready to provide this service again this year. The minister announced this change without any consultation with this business.

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