There is no need for people to worry about food security in the province.

That, from Premier Dwight Ball on Tuesday.

Ball says government has been in discussions with Marine Atlantic, the trucking industry and some retailers, and they know there is excess capacity within the system. He adds truckers are more than willing to step up and respond.

The Premier says they know Marine Atlantic has two vessels that are not working anywhere close to full-capacity, and they have two more vessels tied up and ready to respond.

He says this is the contingency plan in place if Oceanex decides to stop it’s service into Newfoundland and Labrador or has an impact that would lead to a disruption.

Ball says there are no reasons to move from the guidelines put in place. Shop once a week and for essential items as there will be food security.

As for the timing of all of this, the Premier says he’s not at all worried about it and it’s not his focus.

Ball says his focus is about maintaining food security for the province. How a particular private company responds given the situation they currently find themselves in is not his concern.

His concern is what the fall out will be for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

He says they will explore all options.

Official Opposition Weighs In on Food Supply Situation

Official Opposition leader Ches Crosbie is calling on the government to outline plans to address the supply chain of food, essential good and medical supplies to the province.

This in light of Oceanex losing $2-million a week due to the pandemic.

Ches Crosbie says the government must explore all options available to reassure the public that the supply chain is secure.