For Immediate Release
8 May, 2024
NDP MHA Jordan Brown (Labrador West) is calling on government to take serious action on making intra-provincial travel more affordable.
Brown raised this question in the House of Assembly last week on the heels of West Jet CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech, visiting the province to announce new direct routes to the United Kingdom from St. John’s International Airport. The Budget earmarked $3.75 million for airport authorities to stimulate more national and international routes. Brown says that government should put at least as much effort into dealing with the cost of intra-provincial travel for residents of the province.
"We're putting a lot of emphasis on subsidizing flights to Europe, but here in Labrador we can't get any assistance with the exorbitant cost of interprovincial travel," said Brown. “A trip from Labrador West to St. John’s, for example, can cost over $1,500. It impedes families from visiting their loved ones and makes it harder for people in the Big Land to travel to the island for events or appointments.
When Brown asked questions on intra-provincial travel in the House of Assembly, the Minister responded by saying it is important for tourists to visit the province. Brown says while this is true, it should not take priority over the accessibility of travel for those who live in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“No one is questioning the importance of tourism, but imagine how much tourism we could generate if we had affordable options,” said Brown. “This government praises their ‘out of the box’ ideas, yet they still have not come up with any to address travel costs for Labradorians to fly within their own province. We need options.”
“Accessible and affordable travel within our province should be a priority for this Liberal government. I am calling for the creation of a task force to introduce more affordable options for residents of Newfoundland and Labrador to travel and reach every corner of the province.”
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For further information, contact Stephanie Curran, Media Relations Manager, NDP Caucus at 330-0328 (o), or stephaniecurran@gov.nl.ca