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

“Marine Atlantic’s announcement of service impacts on the Argentia route could not come at a worse time. We are on the cusp of an incredibly busy and critically important tourism season. There are thousands of people who are traveling to and from the province this summer, and vehicular traffic marks an important demographic of visitors who stay longer and spend more than other travelers.

This is extremely disappointing news. It is incumbent upon Transport Canada and Marine Atlantic to come up with a better, more permanent solution to the lack of capacity in serving the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

I have spoken with the CEO of Marine Atlantic, Murray Hupman, to voice my concerns, and will be meeting with the Federal Minister of Tourism, The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, on Monday (June 10) to reiterate that the challenges around lack of capacity coming from Marine Atlantic need addressing.

I have also been in contact with Craig Foley, CEO of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, and we stand united in our expectation that Marine Atlantic find a swift and efficient solution to this issue to ensure travel is not interrupted during the tourism season.”

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