St. John’s, NL (June 19, 2025) Lela Evans, Progressive Conservative MHA for Torngat Mountains and Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change, is calling for immediate action from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure following significant delays in returning crucial marine services to her northern Labrador communities. After a long winter without marine services, the Kamutik W ferry has yet to resume operations.
"Our communities have been without essential ferry services all winter, and the implications for residents' quality of life have been profound," stated Evans. "Store shelves are empty, residents are flying in toilet paper themselves, passengers who planned on traveling on the ferry will now be out thousands of dollars because they are forced to fly. When a vital service such as this is disrupted, it impacts everything—from the availability of everyday supplies to the economic well-being of our people. We can no longer afford to wait."
Recognizing the pressing need for effective solutions, Evans emphasizes the importance of the 'boat plane' as an alternate means of transportation. "If the Kamutik W ferry cannot operate due to ice conditions, it is critical that we implement the boat plane immediately to ensure at least some level of travel accessibility for our residents and this must be extended to freight as well. Other boats would be able to operate in these conditions and now residents are calling for the return of the old outdated Northern Ranger. The ancient ship would at least sail and get to our communities. It is sickening,” said Evans.
Evans said failures of the Kamutik W to provide service to northern Labrador communities have been longstanding.
"This isn't a new problem. The design of this ferry has been proven inadequate for our challenging Labrador waters, particularly when it comes to navigating ice conditions in spring and early summer. A thorough review of the Kamutik W is essential to determine if it's truly fit for service in our region. Local residents know that it is a flawed ship and sadly they are the ones paying the price for its failures while the businessmen pocket the big money from the lucrative contract that was awarded too fast, preventing other companies from being able to put together a bid," she added.
Despite assurances that ice navigation could be supported by the Coast Guard, the current lack of action raises important questions. Therefore, Evans is calling on Minister Elvis Loveless to arrange an alternate service for northern Labrador residents and to seriously reconsider whether the Kamutik W is the right vessel for the challenging conditions of Labrador.
"Delays in ferry services are not just about transportation; they strain the very fabric of our communities. It's time for our government to take decisive action and ensure that our northern Labrador communities receive the reliable marine service it rightfully deserves," concluded Evans.