Government Neglects Labradorians with New Intraprovincial Air Travel Loop

NL NDP
May 1
2 min read

For Immediate Release

May 1, 2025

NDP MHA for Labrador West, Jordan Brown, slammed the provincial government for once again neglecting Labradorians in its newly announced intraprovincial air travel loop, which includes only island stops.

This week, government announced an agreement to establish a new air route connecting St. John’s, Gander, and Deer Lake, touting potential economic benefits for the tourism industry. But Brown notes the glaring omission of Labrador, where residents continue to call for affordable flights to and from the island.

“The cost of flying to the island from Labrador is outrageous, and people are tired of the provincial government passing the buck to Ottawa. Enough is enough,” said Brown. “Government is handing $15 million to companies to subsidize tourist airfare, but refuses to lift a finger for Labradorians, who aren’t flying for leisure, but to access basic services unavailable in the region. It’s shameful.”

Just last year, Brown presented a petition in the House of Assembly with over 3,800 signatures from residents calling for accessible intraprovincial travel. He says the government continues to treat Labrador with an “out of sight, out of mind” mentality and questions what it will take for them to finally take the region’s concerns seriously.

“Government keeps saying they’re working with federal counterparts and meeting with stakeholders—but nothing is being done. Labradorians see no results, no reassurance, and no real change. Once again, we’re left in the dust,” said Brown.

“I ask this Liberal government: if Labradorians started calling themselves tourists, would we finally get the help we've been pleading for? Or do they really believe spending $2,000 or more just to access essential services or visit family is less important than promoting tourism?”

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For further information, contact Stephanie Curran, Media and Communications Officer, NDP Caucus at 330-0328 (o), or stephaniecurran@gov.nl.ca