Ottawa, ON – Carol Anstey, Conservative Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains; Jonathan Rowe, Conservative Member of Parliament for Terra Nova—The Peninsulas; and Clifford Small, Conservative Member of Parliament for Central Newfoundland, released the following statement regarding the potential labour disruption at Marine Atlantic:
“Over the past several months, negotiations between Marine Atlantic and workers have continued without a resolution and warning signs of possible service disruption have been impossible to ignore. Despite being responsible for the Crown corporation, the Liberals have failed to show leadership and its Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that will pay the price.
“Marine Atlantic’s Port aux Basques and Argentia routes are critical transportation links for Newfoundland and Labrador. They move passengers and essential goods that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians rely on every day, including groceries, fuel, prescription medications, medical supplies, construction materials, and commercial freight. These routes also support the province’s fishing and aquaculture industry, tourism sector and food security.
“Any disruption would have immediate consequences for families, businesses and communities across the province. At a time when Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are already struggling with the high cost of living, they deserve to know that these vital supply chains remain dependable.
“The Carney Liberals cannot wash their hands of a situation involving one of their own Crown corporations. Marine Atlantic’s workers deserve a fair deal, businesses deserve the certainty it will bring and communities deserve to have their confidence in services they rely on restored. Newfoundland and Labrador deserve action, not excuses.”