It is becoming increasingly obvious that relations between the Nunatsiavut Government and the Provincial Government continue to be a paternalistic one. No prizes for guessing who is on top has the father figure role.

Since the new Minister of Works and Services took over NG has issued two press releases and numerous other representations (so we are told) pertaining to the state of Marine shipping, not one response, at least that is known to the public, this is the latest presser.

November 21, 2012

For Immediate Release

Concerns continue to rise as shipping season nears end

The Nunatsiavut Government is calling on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure all freight is shipped to northern Labrador communities before the season comes to an end.

“We have made numerous requests, in writing and verbally, for another vessel to complement the Astron,” says First Minister Darryl Shiwak. “We are at a crucial time in the year when residents and businesses in Nunatsiavut are completely dependent on goods and supplies for the winter. While the provincial government has given us a guarantee that all freight will be delivered, based on our experiences we are very concerned that this will be the case.”

Minister Shiwak says he’s concerned that some freight will be left behind.

“This has been one of the worst years ever for the marine service,” he says. “Given the situation, the Astron is doing a good job, but it can only do so much. If that vessel breaks down, or if there are delays because of weather, then we run the risk of not having essential goods and supplies shipped to our communities this winter.”

The Minister is once again calling on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to replace the MV Northern Ranger, which broke down in early September, with a new, modern vessel – one that is capable of serving the long-term needs of northern Labrador.

Bert Pomeroy

Director of Communications

Considering the ministers lack of interest on issues in Labrador within his departments mandate I now take back the nice things I said about him when we met at Frans O.N.L investiture. He is like his predecessor, an Island centric partisan hack, albeit less prone to verbal diarrhea.

Sadly this is not the only file where meetings between the two governments lead to zero, in many cases they just lead to layoffs and cut backs in funding for much needed programs and services.

I just wish someone would come out and just put the cards on the table and be truthful about what is going on. Sadly again, governments dont deal in truthfulness and oneness. 

The provincial governments finances are in dire straights, but we continue to be barraged with hype and propergander and its full steam ahead to invest future generations well being in in the folly of Muskrat Falls hydro development.

The overnight and morning temps are not good for this time of year. +4 is the opposite to what most people are looking for. Freezing temps and then lots of snow mid December is the ask.

Stupid formatting again, not it doing it all over again.