Letter to MPs: Marine Atlantic Capacity
January 27, 2026
Carol Anstey, MP Long Range Mountains
Paul Connors, MP Avalon
Philip Earle, MP Labrador
Tom Osborne, MP Cape Spear
Jonathan Rowe, MP Terra Nova—The Peninsulas
Clifford Small, MP Central Newfoundland
The Honourable Joanne Thompson, MP St. John's East
Dear Members of Parliament for Newfoundland and Labrador,
We are a group of likeminded industry leaders who champion the growth of the Newfoundland and Labrador economy. We are concerned that Marine Atlantic, 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, the federal members representing our province, to ask for your support on this crucial matter.
The island’s vulnerability was clearly demonstrated during the recent holiday season, when 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. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians deserve the same level of access to essential products that Canadians elsewhere in the country enjoy as a basic expectation.
While we were pleased to learn of Marine Atlantic’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. We encourage the federal government to continue working closely with Marine Atlantic to fully assess 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 ask that you raise and advocate for these concerns in your discussions with Prime Minister Carney, his Cabinet and Marine Atlantic to help advance this critical issue. Our group would be happy to meet with you to discuss further and provide additional insights.
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
