Office of the Official Opposition 

McKenna Criticizes Furey Liberals Over MV Veteran Maintenance Delays

For Immediate Release

(June 17, 2024, St. John’s, N.L.) – In an urgent call to action, PC Shadow Minister for Transportation Jim McKenna (MHA, Fogo Island – Cape Freels) has raised serious concerns regarding the prolonged maintenance of the MV Veteran ferry and its continued absence from the Notre Dame Bay route.

"Over the weekend, we learned that sea trials have not taken place on the MV Veteran and that maintenance crews are still working on alarm systems on the vessel," said McKenna. "As both islands head into peak tourism season, the Furey Liberals have once again fallen short on their promises to Fogo Island and Change Islands residents. Tourists heading to the lineup in Farewell are turning back when they hear about the long wait times. People on both islands deserve answers, not continued deflection from the Furey Liberals."

Almost three weeks have passed since Transportation Minister John Abbott said in the House of Assembly that the MV Veteran would return from dry dock 'within the next 10 to 12 days.' This delay has caused significant disruptions, especially as Fogo Island and Change Islands are on the brink of their busiest tourism season.

"The residents of Fogo Island and Change Islands are bearing the brunt of the Furey Liberals' dysfunctional ferry maintenance plan," McKenna continued. "The Minister rose in the House of Assembly and assured the residents of both islands that we would have the Veteran back in service by the middle of June. Once again, the Furey Liberals had no plan and are operating an inter-provincial ferry service on the back of a napkin."

"People are frustrated and deserve clear answers. The tourism season is at risk, and the Furey Liberals must be held accountable for failing to deliver a reliable ferry service to the people of Fogo Island and Change Islands."

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