Jones calls for permanent travel subsidy for Williams Harbour and Black Tickle

Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones, MHA for the District of Cartwright-L’Anse au Clair, has written Transportation and Works Minister Tom Hedderson requesting that the current air subsidy for the communities of Williams Harbour and Black Tickle be extended year-round based on their isolation and transportation challenges.

In December, government announced an air travel subsidy of 50 per cent for residents of the two communities due to their inability to travel by boat or snowmobile. The high cost of air travel, several hundred dollars for a short trip to the nearest community of Cartwright, is too expensive for most residents. Those people without access to a boat or snowmobile are often stranded for most of the year.

“I certainly want to thank the minister for recognizing the current situation facing the residents of Williams Harbour and Black Tickle and providing a subsidy that will ensure they have access to more affordable air travel while ice conditions have isolated their communities,” said Ms. Jones. “While government has reacted to this immediate need, I certainly feel this program should be extended year-round to recognize the many geographic and transportation issues facing residents.

“There is currently no ferry service for the communities and not everyone has their own boat or snowmobile to complete their own transportation. While the cost of air travel to Cartwright would still be hundreds of dollars to residents, a subsidy of 50 per cent would make this mode of transportation more affordable and provide safer options to residents.

“The minister has already recognized the need for this service at this time of year and I certainly encourage him to look at the benefits of extending this subsidy year-round. In the absence of other government-funded transportation initiatives to help these isolated communities, this is an option that should be implemented.”

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