(July 22, 2021) – David Brazil, Leader of the Opposition and MHA for Conception Bay East-Bell Island, says government is failing to ensure reasonable levels of service on the Portugal Cove-Bell Island ferry run.

“Despite repeatedly offering suggestions and solutions over the past number of weeks and months, service has eroded to the point workers, patients travelling for critical health service and businesses are suffering,” said Brazil.

“This is completely unacceptable and speaks to poor planning by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure.”

Specifically, Brazil pointed to poor planning of refits, poor decisions on maintenance contracts resulting in extra costs and significant downtime, poor management of crewing and a poor relationship with Transport Canada.

“The Marine Services Division has had a revolving door of staff for the past few years. It is about time government start to ask why?” said Brazil.

Brazil also raised concerns about apparent delays in accessing dockyard facilities and significant delays in turnarounds when vessels are taken out of service.

“I continue to hear reports of vessels on dry-dock for months waiting on parts and specialized contractors who are not available. Again, this points to poor planning and the inherent risks of using a single dockyard for all of government’s vessels.”

“Clearly, what the Department has been doing is not working for residents and tourists alike. We need a new approach.”

Brazil will host an availability on the steps of Confederation Building (weather permitting) at noon.

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca