The Nunatsiavut Government is renewing its call for immediate action from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador as north coast communities remain without critical shipments of goods due to delays in the marine shipping season.

“Some of our communities have yet to receive a single delivery this year,” said First Minister Melva Williams. “People and businesses are running out of essential items – everything from food to basic household supplies. This is an emergency.”

First Minister Williams reached out to the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure in April to raise concerns in advance of the shipping season and to discuss ways to prevent service delays. A formal letter was also sent to Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Elvis Loveless on May 28, requesting a meeting and inviting him to visit Nunatsiavut to witness first-hand the real and growing impact of unreliable service. To date, the Nunatsiavut Government has not received a response.

The First Minister is also questioning whether or not heavy sea ice is hampering service delivery.

“Our ports have been ice-free for weeks,” she said. “Yet, the Kamutik W has still not reached all communities. Residents deserve transparency. If sea ice is the reason for the delay, then an icebreaker should be deployed immediately.”

Under the current marine services contract, if ferry service is interrupted for an extended period and no suitable vessel is available, the contractor (Labrador Marine Inc.) is obligated to implement alternative arrangements. This includes the use of charter air services to transport passengers, pets, and carry-on freight until ferry operations are up and running in all communities. In light of this, the Nunatsiavut Government is again urging the provincial government to subsidize air freight and passenger service immediately – at least until the ferry is fully operational and serving every community.

“This isn’t just about logistics,” says the First Minister. “It’s about fairness, equity, and the right of our people to access food and other vital supplies in a timely and affordable way.”

Media Contact:
Bert Pomeroy
Director of Communications
(709) 896-8582