May 5, 2026

AnnMarie Boudreau
CEO, The Board of Trade
aboudreau@bot.nf.ca

THE PREMIER
GOVERNMENT OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

Dear Members of the NL Gulf Ferry Coalition,

Thank you for your letter of March 24, 2026, outlining your concerns regarding ferry capacity and the reliability of Marine Atlantic services. I appreciate the collective perspective you have brought forward on behalf of the industries and communities you represent, and I agree that this
issue has important implications for Newfoundland and Labrador's economy. 

In March, I wrote to the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport, to underscore many of the same concerns you have raised. My correspondence emphasized growing passenger demand, capacity constraints during peak periods, the impacts on tourism and broader economic activity, and the critical role Marine Atlantic plays in meeting the federal government's constitutional transportation obligations to the province.

Your letter further highlights the operational challenges experienced this winter, including weather-related disruptions and resulting backlogs, as well as the anticipated pressures on the system heading into the summer season. These issues reinforce the need for a clear and
coordinated approach to ensuring passenger and commercial capacity keeps pace with demand and supports sustained economic growth across the province.

I support the overall position advanced by the Coalition and share your view that sustained engagement with the federal government is essential to achieving meaningful progress. Ensuring a reliable and resilient ferry service is fundamental to connectivity, economic stability, and
confidence for businesses and travellers alike.

Officials from my office will be in touch shortly to arrange a meeting with representatives of the Coalition so that we can discuss these issues further and exchange views in more detail.

Thank you again for your continued advocacy and constructive engagement on this important matter. 

Sincerely,
HONOURABLE TONY WAKEHAM 
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador MHA, Stephenville-Port au Port 

cc. Honourable Barry Petten, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Honourable Lela Evans, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Craig Foley, CEO, Hospitality NL
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