Dear Prime Minister,
 

We write to you today as a group of likeminded industry leaders who champion the growth of Atlantic Canada, in particular the Newfoundland and Labrador economy. We are concerned that Marine Atlantic Inc. (“MAI”), our constitutionally mandated ferry service, is falling short of meeting the passenger demand and commercial traffic offering our province requires. As such, we are writing to you as our Prime Minister to both apprise you of the situation and to ask for your support in remedying this crucial matter.
 

Since your election, your government has rightly prioritized a national inward focus to strengthen Canada’s sovereignty, security, and economic unity. As part of building “One Canadian Economy” and improving internal trade, it is essential that the Government of Canada and MAI work together to develop and implement a realistic, long-term plan for this critical transportation link. Ensuring the reliability and capacity of this service will reinforce Canada’s domestic resilience while protecting from supply-chain vulnerabilities and economic disruption.
 

Such vulnerability was clearly demonstrated recently, when increasingly common weather disruptions combined with high demand exposed the fragility of our shipping systems and complex international supply chains. The timely transport of perishable goods poses a particular challenge when ferry capacity is insufficient to accommodate consumer demand for ‘just in time’ delivery of the products consumers want and need. Similarly, individual travellers and tourists cannot currently access the ferry system during the peak summer season due to lack of capacity; an unacceptable outcome of an overstretched system. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians deserve the same level of access to essential products and transportation that Canadians elsewhere in the country enjoy as a basic expectation.
 

In a time of shifting world orders when trade barriers and their reduction, both internally and at home, is paramount, we feel the conversation regarding MAI is more important than ever. Your government’s Defence Industrial Strategy highlights this importance, outlining how transportation infrastructure is critical to supporting national security and operational readiness. In this context, Marine Atlantic’s ferry service represents essential Atlantic gateway infrastructure, ensuring the reliable movement of goods, equipment, and commercial traffic between Newfoundland and Labrador and the rest of Canada. Recognizing Marine Atlantic as part of the country’s strategic transportation network is imperative to securing our nation.
 

While we were pleased to learn of MAI’s decision to lease the A. Nepita vessel for the next five years, without a comprehensive, long-term solution, the province will continue to face significant and persistent challenges on this vital link. The federal government must work closely with MAI to fully assess demand, including unmet demand, for our ferry service and to develop and implement a long-term fleet strategy that meets the needs of Newfoundland and Labrador now and into the future. Our province’s economic growth depends on it.
 

We urge you to raise these concerns in your discussions with your Cabinet and caucus, and with MAI, with the aim of helping our province prosper to its full potential and strengthening our national unity. Our group is requesting to meet with you to discuss further and provide additional insights.
 

Yours sincerely,
 

Craig Foley, CEO, Hospitality NL

AnnMarie Boudreau, CEO, The Board of Trade

Rob Nolan, CEO, Municipalities NL

Chris Howlett, CEO& President, Akita Equipment and Auto Transportation
Gerry Dowden, President East Can Transport Services Limited
Jim Cormier, Atlantic Canada Director, Retail Council of Canada
Rhonda Tulk-Lane, President & CEO, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
 

Cc: The Honourable Joanne Thompson

The Honourable Francois-Phillipe Champagne

The Honourable Steven MacKinnon