Letter to the Editor: Stop the bleeding

Not a good news story for consumers at any time but at this point in the mist of COVID-19 global pandemic, today’s press release from Marine Atlantic on rate increases on the Gulf and Argentia runs are very disheartening.

Such increases once again smack of a total disregard for the concerns expressed by the people of Newfoundland and Labrador on the out of reach costs associated with our constitutionally guaranteed essential equivalent of the Trans Canada Highway, and smacks of a total disregard for Prime Minister Trudeau’s 2015 campaign promise to examine Ottawa’s high cost recovery formula on the service and return affordability to what is a provincial lifeline.

The people of Newfoundland and Labrador will now look for costs related to essential pharmacy items, propane, wood, groceries and overall deliveries of nearly every possible item to increase as these new rate are passed along to consumers.

Effective April 1, the following changes Marine Atlantic’s rate structure will take place: No increases to passenger fares or passenger vehicle fares on the Gulf route but passenger and vehicle fares will increase by 2.5% on the Argentia route. Commercial fares will increase by 2% (Gulf and Argentia). The drop trailer management fee will increase by 3.4%.

When will the bleeding stop?

Sincerely,

John Spencer, Mayor

Channel-Port Aux Basques, NL

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