Letters to the Editor -
Dear Editor,
I am compelled to respond to the latest verbal attack on Marine Atlantic by MP Gerry Byrne. His continuing negative remarks are having an adverse impact on the employees at Marine Atlantic, and in my opinion are damaging the reputation of the gulf service to the detriment of Newfoundland and Labrador tourism. It is a shame that his political antics are dampening the positive impact of the award winning Newfoundland and Labrador tourism advertisements.
In reference to his most recent attempt to undermine the positive announcement of new vessels for the fleet, I would point out that there has never been an ability to regularly dock and work two of Marine Atlantic's vessels in Port aux Basques, and it has never been part of our schedule. MP Byrne should be aware of this, as during his tenure in Government as Regional Cabinet member for Newfoundland and Labrador that capability did not exist. The alternate dock was recently constructed as a back-up facility. If events cause the aging infrastructure in Port aux Basques to be unusable, the port would still be able to service Newfoundland and Labrador's needs.
Most captains would prefer not to berth large vessels the size of the Caribou, Joseph and Clara Smallwood, the Atlantic Vision, or the new vessels in Port aux Basques when either or any of the docks are occupied unless the weather conditions are quite favorable. Therefore, it not something we could reliably schedule.
Contrary to MP Byrne's opinions, the Atlantic Vision was a very necessary addition to the fleet when it was brought in. The aging Marine Atlantic fleet was not capable of delivering the traffic required. Even with the Atlantic Vision, Marine Atlantic struggled as traffic increased in 2009 and appears to be increasing again in 2010. Last year the Atlantic Vision carried 40 per cent of the passenger traffic for the entire fleet. There were only three trips out of approximately 700 trips made where the Atlantic Vision was not able to make dock in Port aux Basques, while the Caribou or the Joseph and Clara Smallwood made dock. The majority of the people that have experienced the Atlantic Vision have been impressed by her.
Having said that, we all accept that the Atlantic Vision is not a perfect fit for the Marine Atlantic service. Were there better options available to Marine Atlantic at the time the vessel was required? We found none after extensive research, and certainly none that MP Byrne made aware to us. As time has passed, the Atlantic Vision's performance has improved, and she will be better positioned for Marine Atlantic's customers this summer with the modifications executed over the winter after obtaining last years feedback from clients. Will there be challenges with the service this year? Yes, I fully expect there will be. Traffic is projected to be higher again and, even with the Atlantic Vision, capacity will be tested.
I'd like to make clear that MP Byrne has never personally contacted me concerning his issues with Marine Atlantic. Likewise, he has never contacted the president and CEO of Marine Atlantic or the management team. He has never offered any support or viable suggestions for improvements that could be made for Marine Atlantic customers. One would have to ask what is his agenda? Why is he constantly attacking a service that he left in such a state of disrepair? The board and management of Marine Atlantic would welcome discussions with MP Byrne if he has any information of value. It seems he only wishes to use Marine Atlantic's challenges to get his name in the press - but provide nothing of consequence. I take exception to his constant maligning of all efforts to expand and upgrade our province's vital ocean service.
The people of Marine Atlantic need time to implement all the changes being contemplated with the fleet renewal agenda. They are committed to servicing their customers. Their goal is 100 per cent customer satisfaction. An almost impossible target, but onethat they are striving to achieve.
Sincerely,
Rob Crosbie
Chair, Board of Directors
Marine Atlantic Inc.
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