CORNER BROOK — The same day the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade president was lobbying a federal minister to reduce costs of the Marine Atlantic ferry service last week, the Crown corporation raised its fees.
Keith Goulding says enough is enough. He said the federal government must interject upon this arms-length organization and save Newfoundland and Labrador from this overburdening expense. Saturday, the business representative said it is time for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to stand up and fight for a fairly priced service to enter and exit the island.
“It is time for government to open up those books and have a look at them,” Goulding said. “It is time to see how they can help service that section of the Trans-Canada Highway that is right now costing us a fortune.”
The president said there may be no easy fix here, but there has to be some kind of resolve.
“If they need to increase the subsidies that are coming in, then increase them,” he said. “If there are ways to cut costs at an operational level, that is not going to transfer cost increases to the passengers, well to that too.
“During tough times, we all have to make hard decisions. It is time for government to make hard decisions with Marine Atlantic.”
In a press release issued Friday, Goulding said the board of directors with the business organization are disappointed, but not surprised by the rate increases. This escalation will include a security fee of $3.50 for passengers over 12 years of age and a four per cent increase in the cost of passenger tickets. The drop trailer management fee for commercial customers will increase by $50 also.
The president said the announcement creates concern of the impact additional costs will have on the economy. Local businesses will be both directly and indirectly impacted by this change, he said.
The higher costs associated with the ferry service will increase costs for local transport services, raise overall costs of products being delivered to local businesses and therefore consumers, and may deter tourists from travelling to this province.
“As we have not seen an increase in rates from Marine Atlantic recently, the board of trade did propose a federal review of costs during the Jan. 12, 2012 consultations with Intergovernmental Affairs Minister (Peter) Penashue in anticipation of a potential rate increase,” Goulding said. “Following these recent announcements, the need to develop a strategy to reduce costs of the Marine Atlantic service is even more imperative. The board of trade will continue to push the federal government to find ways to reduce the burden felt by businesses, residents and tourists alike.”
Gouling believes a reduction in Marine Atlantic rates would reduce operating costs for local businesses and private individuals and would aid in further development of the tourism industry. He said the tourism sector provides a boost to the local business community, and contributes more than $400 million to the provincial economy. He said the high cost of travelling to this province hinders the RV tourism product in particular.
He said the major players in the province should be working together to further develop this sector.
“This ferry service is the only fixed link to the island portion of our province and an extension of the Trans-Canada Highway,” he said. “It needs to be given priority and treated as such”.
So....$1.50 per kilometer? Ummmmm......6 box seats for that giveaway, Dougie old pal, sign me me up for life! And I'll scalp all the tickets you can come up with, too. Blessed Idiot.