(December 21, 2022, St. John’s) – David Brazil, PC Official Opposition Leader and MHA for Conception Bay East-Bell Island, says Premier Furey needs to pick up the phone and find a solution for the dozens of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians stranded in Toronto due to mismanagement at WestJet.

“There are dozens of families stranded in a hotel room, unsure whether they’ll make it home for Christmas, due to the continued loss of airline flights to Newfoundland and Labrador under the Liberal government. The Premier needs to get on the phone with the executives of WestJet and find a solution for these families,” said Brazil.

“It’s a heartbreaking, unacceptable situation. If more routes and airlines were making their way to Newfoundland and Labrador, perhaps this situation could be avoided – it’s incumbent on the Premier to step up.”

Brazil says the families need some good news this Christmas.

“The Premier says his favorite Christmas tune is ‘I’ll Be There Christmas Eve,’ yet dozens of families are stuck in limbo. His Minister talks about flying to Ottawa to discuss air routes in the New Year – but these families need action now,” said Brazil.

“The Federal Government touts its airline passenger Bill of Rights, yet our federal counterparts are silent on this matter. Is Minister O’Regan standing up for these passengers rights? It’s time for the Premier to step up and make this right. Let’s make sure it’s a happy Christmas for those stuck with uncertainty.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca