For Immediate Release
17 November, 2023
MHA Jordan Brown (Labrador West) is calling on government to turn their sights inwards and conduct a review of airfare accessibility within the province. This comes after government proudly promoted the re-establishment of a direct flight between Newfoundland and Labrador and Europe made possible by millions of dollars in investment by the provincial government. Currently a return flight from Labrador to the Island costs upwards of $1500, or as a resident recently found out – 8600 Air Miles points plus $860 in fees for two tickets.
“Right now it is cheaper for someone in Newfoundland to fly to London than it is to Labrador,” said Brown. “Newfoundlanders and Labradorians should be able to afford air travel within their own province. The demand is there. I have people in my district who work in the mines, who work in trades in Labrador, who have family in different parts of the province. They deserve affordability when it comes to airfare.”
Brown says that if there was political will, government would find “big and bold” solutions to address the prices to travel to and from Labrador.
“It speaks volumes, I think, to the reality of this government; instead of addressing affordable travel for people in this province, they instead put millions of dollars to companies for flights across the pond,” said Brown. “If this government can invest in international flights, they should be able to invest in affordable travel for Labradorians and Newfoundlanders who want to travel the big land, whether it’s for tourism, work, or otherwise.”
“This government continues to show how out of touch they are with the realities of people in this province.”
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For further information, contact Eddy St. Coeur, Director of Communications, NDP Caucus at 729-2137 (o), or eddystcoeur@gov.nl.ca