NORTH COAST TRANSPORTATION ISSUES DEMAND ACTION: RUSSELL

LABRADOR, January 20, 2010 — Labrador MP Todd Russell says that transportation was a constant theme in community consultations he held last week in several north coast communities.

“From air to marine to a potential road connection, transportation issues kept coming up as a constant theme when I met with people in Nain, Hopedale, and Makkovik,” Russell said.

In Nain, the biggest transportation issue centred around the provincially-owned and -operated airstrip.

“Concerns about the capacity and safety of Nain airstrip, serving the largest community in Nunatsiavut, continue to top the transportation priority list,” Russell said. “It is vital not only for day-to-day transportation, especially in the winter, but also for medevac and schedevac flights. I will continue to push for a replacement airstrip, built to modern standards, in a more suitable location.”

While the province has undertaken some study and cost estimates for the Nain airport project, it has yet to make a firm financial commitment. Russell says that the province needs to make its intentions clear, including the share of costs it is willing to pay.

Throughout northern Labrador, Russell says he heard concerns about marine services and wharf infrastructure.

“There is a crying need for better dockside warehouse capacity, including freezer storage, to prevent cargo spoilage and improve service for northern Labrador residents,” Russell said. “I have also heard from a number of residents and businesses that this past year was the worst in recent memory for the quality of marine services. Government needs to seriously address the vessel configuration and schedule for 2010 and beyond.”

Russell says that in the longer term, the province needs to look at obtaining multi-purpose ships for the Labrador service, with modern cargo and passenger facilities, built for ice conditions that can allow for a longer shipping season.

Russell also called on the provincial government to co-operate with the Nunatsiavut Government on a feasibility study into tying northern Labrador into the Trans-Labrador Highway.

“Nunatsiavut has already indicated its willingness to cost-share such a study. The study itself is not a costly or onerous undertaking. It is frustrating that the provincial government has said it will not even entertain the study until the Trans-Labrador Highway is widened and paved. At the current rate, that will take at least one decade, if not longer. This is not a valid excuse for delaying a study, and I urge the province to fund the study without further delay.”

With a delegation of provincial ministers visiting northern Labrador this week, Russell says that north coast communities have had a prime opportunity to express their concerns on transportation, and other matters such as housing and education.

“The people want firm commitments,” Russell said. “Even though many of these transportation matters are provincial responsibility, I will support federal involvement where it is appropriate and necessary. I will continue to take direction from the community and Nunatsiavut governments as to their transportation priorities.”

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Todd Russell, MP

Labrador

(613) 996-4630