Tourism Minister to meet with Federal Minister to address Marine Atlantic's "lack of capacity"

Steve Crocker says "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.”

Tourism Minister Steve Crocker is expressing strong concern with the news of service impacts related to mechanical issues with Marine Atlantic’s new vessel, Ala’suinu. Crocker issued a news release immediately after Marine Atlantic’s update yesterday and when it was first announced last week. Saying this is extremely disappointing news, Crocker says “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.” The Minister has spoken with the CEO of Marine Atlantic, Murray Hupman, to voice concerns, and will be meeting with the Federal Minister of Tourism on Monday to talk about challenges with capacity. He says “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.” Crocker has also spoken with Craig Foley, CEO of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, and says they stand united in the expectation that Marine Atlantic find a swift and efficient solution to this issue to ensure travel is not interrupted during the tourism season.”