The Member of House of Assembly (MHA) for Corner Brook is raising questions about Marine Atlantic and a surcharge meant to off set the rising cost of fuel.
The surcharge is rising to 17% from 13, something that has resulted in a huge out cry from the province, and demands for a reversal of the increase.
Gerry Byrne told VOCM OPEN LINE with Paddy Daley that the surcharge does not simply offset increased costs.
Byrne claims he’s received verification in writing from Marine Atlantic CEO Murray Hupman that the fuel surcharge does not just offset increased fuel costs, but also goes into general revenue. “So it is not a fuel surcharge in the classic sense,” says Byrne.
Marine Atlantic’s service is entrenched in NL’s Terms of Union with Canada. Byrnes believes there is cause for a Constitutional challenge to surcharge increase.
He alleges misrepresentation on the fuel surcharge and a breach of the Constitution.