Nunatsiavut Marine has been advised that their bid is no longer being considered for the Northern ferry service.
This is according to the Nunatsiavut Group of Companies Chair, Clint Davis.
Davis says the company put forward what he felt was a competitive bid for renewal of the service.
He says no contract has been awarded yet, and there’s still some uncertainty if they will, or will not be involved.
Davis says he’s surprised there was no requirement for Aboriginal criteria as part of the RFP.
Davis describes marine services as a lifeline to their isolated communities in the far north.
He says operating the ferries has helped instill a sense of pride in the community, something that would be sorely missed should they lose the contract.
Meanwhile, Nunatsiavut President Sarah Leo says after a recent conversation with Transportation Minister David Brazil, she’s optimistic the NL government is still considering their bid.
Leo adds Land Claims Agreement provisions should prioritize Inuit businesses in such situations.
Story courtesy of VOCM.