The federal auditor general’s special report on Marine Atlantic confirms many problems the people of the southwest coast have highlighted over the past number of years, says Kelvin Parsons, Liberal MHA for the District of Burgeo-Lapoile.
The report into the operations of Marine Atlantic by the Auditor General of Canada looks at the financial and management operations of the Crown corporation, and examines corporate governance, strategic and operational planning, safety and security, human resource management, operations and capital asset management during a specific period of time.
The report, which contains 13 recommendations, covers a five-year period up to March 2009. It outlines two key problems with the operations, including the aging fleet and other assets. The second is operational planning and capital asset management. 
“I agree with most of the recommendations in this report, except for potentially increasing the rates to recover more on the cost of supplying this service,” Parsons said in a news release. “Everyone recognizes that the current vessel fleet and local infrastructure in Port aux Basques must be upgraded. I am pleased that the auditor general recognized that the federal government must provide a more significant investment, but I don’t think ferry users should have to pay for the years of neglect shown to us by Ottawa.
“This vital link to our province is a necessity and a constitutional requirement of the federal government. As Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, we deserve a first-class reliable service that is cost-effective and not an obstacle for travel. Currently, the service is a disincentive for tourists and residents wanting to travel and this must change. Excessive costs must also be addressed so tourists and residents of the province are able to access an affordable transportation system in commuting to and from the province.”