ST. JOHN’S, (Jan. 17, 2005) — Some groups concerned over the future of the Marine Atlantic want Ottawa to declare the Port Aux Basques-North Sydney ferry an essential service as well as halt talk of privatization.

The presenters — made up of municipal leaders, union officials, tourism and trucking representatives, and economic planners — were addressing an advisory committee appointed by Transport Canada to examine the future of the service. They reminded the committee of the federal government’s constitutional obligation to provide an efficient ferry link and demanded Ottawa put more money into the service, reports the St. John’s Telegram.

Ottawa subsidizes Marine Atlantic for roughly $41 million a year.

While there was strong support for essential service status, some parties also called for a comprehensive fleet-replacement program. There was general support for a recent announcement by the Crown corporation to freeze rates for the next two years.

Other recommendations include the appointment of an ombudsman and an enhanced management presence for Marine Atlantic in Newfoundland.

Many truckers have voiced their frustration with Marine Atlantic’s service over the last year. Several protests by independent truckers sparked meetings between the Owner-Operators’ Business Association of Canada and its Newfoundland caucus, the Newfoundland & Labrador Independent Truckers Association, and Marine Atlantic. The talks were intended to smooth over the operational and service concerns raised by truckers.

The advisory committee, headed by former Marine Atlantic chairman Sid Hynes, has been asked to review Marine Atlantic’s operations including fleet, financial needs, quality of service, and long-term funding and pricing plans. The group will try to identify strategies for stabilizing the company’s operations, which are required under the Constitution.

It is expected to deliver its final report by March 31.

— with files from the St. John’s Telegram.