The MHA for two ferry-dependent islands on the northeast coast of Newfoundland says it makes no sense that his area is being serviced by the smallest of three ferries available.
Jim McKenna, the newly-elected PC member for Fogo Island-Cape Freels, believes there are other viable solutions, but he accuses the Liberal government of playing politics with the situation.
The region’s regular ferry, the Veteran, is undergoing a refit, as is a replacement vessel, the Kamutik W. That leaves the Astron on the run, which has less space for vehicles.
The situation was compounded by a recent fire on the Bell Island ferry Flanders, taking that vessel out of commission for repairs. That led to the Beaumont Hamel being sent to Bell Island to complement the work of the Legionnaire
McKenna believes the Beaumont Hamel should be sent to Notre Dame Bay instead until the Veteran returns in about two weeks.
(MHA Jim McKenna)
But he remains skeptical, claiming government is punishing residents of the area for sending him, a PC member, to the legislature in the recent byelection.
Meanwhile, tempers and frustration flared in the ferry lineup at Farewell on Wednesday. There were reports that the driver of one tractor-trailer driver parked his rig to block traffic in an apparent protest over the situation.
That was in response to allegation that some commercial truck drivers were being bumped in favour of rigs carrying live crab and lobster.
Transportation Minister John Abbott says government is working on solutions and he’s urging patience.
(Transportation Minister John Abbott)
“We’re really in a difficult situation and it’s going to be forbearance now for the next 10 or 12 days until we get things sorted out with the return of the Veteran,” he said.
Meanwhile, a public meeting is set for tonight at the stadium in Fogo to vent and hash out the issues.
