September 12, 2013

The federal Minister for Transport, Ms. Lisa Raitt, was in Wabush this past week touring the airport infrastructure. In a news release, the Minister said her government is “working diligently to ensure the facility can accommodate demand while ensuring safe operations.” Minister Raitt never brought any solutions to the community where airport services are being stretched to the limits.

The MP for Labrador, Ms. Yvonne Jones, was disappointed in the Federal Minister’s short visit and her office’s inability to offer a concrete action strategy for Wabush. Along with today’s release, Ms. Jones sent a letter to Minister Raitt’s office, demanding the Minister commit to a long-term plan for the Labrador West region.

“It’s indeed a shame that a federal Minister with such an important portfolio would only visit one area of my riding and offer the Labrador West region no solutions whatsoever for the increased stress on airport services in the area,” comment Ms. Jones. “The fact that landings at the Wabush airport have tripled in a last four years and the mining industry in western Labrador is booming, should be a red flag for the federal government, and I call on the Minister of Transport to take immediate action.”

Minister Raitt toured Sept-Îles seaport in Quebec, but did not tour any locations outside of Wabush. Ms. Jones questioned the lack of interest the federal Minster had for the region.

“There is so much happening in Labrador right now, and I have to wonder and question why Minister Raitt would not visit other areas of Labrador like 5-Wing Goose Bay, or the Trans Labrador Highway, the airstrip in Nain, and the many wharfs on the coast. These regions are in dire need of federal investment and yet the minister dropped in, dropped out, and left many Labradorians wondering where is the commitment to the people? Where is the commitment for improved transportation infrastructure for all of Labrador?”

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