Liberal Opposition Leader and MHA for the District of Cartwright-L’Anse au Clair, Yvonne Jones, says the province has once again been negligent in advancing provincial issues with the federal government.  She cites the proposed development of a regional airstrip in southern Labrador as yet another example of how an unhealthy federal-provincial relationship has hampered provincial progress.

In March 2005, an assessment report was prepared for the province on the infrastructure needs for a regional airport facility at Port Hope Simpson.  The proposed regional airport, replacing three gravel air strips at Mary’s Harbour, Charlottetown and St. Lewis, would serve as the primary air access to the local region.

“It has now been confirmed by the federal Minister of State Transport, Rob Merrifield, that the provincial government failed to submit a detailed proposal to the feds outlining its position and commitment on this issue,” says Jones. “The federal minister reveals it has not been on the priority infrastructure list for the province. Three years later, it is disgraceful that the province has not communicated its case nor advocated for the people of Labrador on this critical matter.”

Jones points out residents heavily rely on air access, particularly in the case of medical emergencies. ”As it stands now, people have to contend daily with a poor and unreliable air service. Significant attention and improvements are needed for safety reasons and government’s negligence on this file is especially troubling.