Hello Everyone,
First, let me say I am sorry people were left stranded for so long on the Strait of Belle Isle run. Over the last few days, I have directed your questions to the Minister’s office and Canadian Coast Guard. I am sharing with you some written responses from them to many of the questions you posed. It is evident that the CCG ice support is limited in resources and many of the demands in Eastern Canada are going without service. This will only change when we have a more stable fleet of support vessels and a more adequate ferry for winter operations. As you all know, we have little control over water, fire and ice, they fall in the same categories however we do control support services and resources. I will continue to lobby to improve those services.
For the crew on the Apollo- keep up the good work, I know it is hard for all involved. However, we also know the next 60 days will be challenging for the ferry; let’s face it the vessel was never designed for this, we have this ferry now because the current Progressive Conservative government has dragged their heels for 8 years and not fulfilled commitments to the region. Please feel free to contact me with any concerns on this matter and other issues.
I will keep working on improving the service on the Straits.
Thank you,
Yvonne Jones, MP
Responses from the Minister’s Office:
-Why was the Larsen taken off the Belle isle services and people left stranded?
The CCGS Henry Larsen was sent to the Sydney area for an ice tasking where a large vessel was beset close to land in adverse weather conditions and had the potential to become a Search and Rescue case.
-Why was there no adequate Coast Guard support?
During the past week, ice conditions have rapidly exceeded the previously forecasted ice year and are in fact more severe than the 30 year average. This, coupled with the extreme storm systems which have passed through the Gulf of St Lawrence and NL areas, has increased the demand for CCG ice resources. Unfortunately, adding challenge to this situation, CCG has experienced mechanical difficulties which are being addressed. During this period, CCG is working with our clients to manage the provision of services while optimizing available resources.
-Where is the Louis S. St- Laurent?
The CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent is presently on the outer approaches to Bay of Chaleur. The CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent is on route to assist outbound as well as inbound traffic at the port of Belledune, New Brunswick.
-How many CCG ships with ice capacity are idle, on refit or otherwise unavailable?
There are no CCG vessels with icebreaking capability in planned refit or layup. Currently, there are 3 icebreakers that are operating under reduced capability in need of unplanned maintenance.
-Why are all crew changes done in Halifax, wasting time on service instead of crewing in the provinces they are working?
Of the eight icebreakers based in the Atlantic Region, five are based in St. John’s and three are based in Dartmouth. Ongoing crew change ports are chosen based upon operational requirements and logistic realities.