The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, is reacting to the news of mechanical issues with Marine Atlantic’s new vessel, Ala’suinu.

“I am very concerned by the news coming out of Marine Atlantic today and will be watching the situation closely. Newfoundland and Labrador’s tourism industry has long advocated for increased Marine Atlantic capacity and the hope was that the Ala’suinu would allow more people to travel to and from our province during the busy tourism season. News of mechanical issues could have a detrimental effect on the confidence of this vessel and route.

I have reached out to the CEO of Marine Atlantic, Murray Hupman, as well as the Federal Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, to discuss this important issue.

I remain hopeful that the mechanical issues will not impact service to the province. Any impacts at all would have serious implications for our tourism season.”

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