MHA for the Torngat Mountains District, Lela Evans, recently wrote a letter to the Minister of Transportation in response to Labrador Marine regarding the delay with the Kamutik W.
According to the Labrador Marine Inc., press release, the opening of the marine ferry service to the Northern Labrador communities of Rigolet, Makkovik, Postville, Hopedale, Natuashish and Nain is delayed until June 18, 2023, due to ice conditions.
Evans is trying to schedule passengers to travel via airline Air Borealis until the ferry can begin its regular schedule to the north coast communities.
This delay of ferry service creates multiple hardships.
None of our communities have road access and therefore are dependant on this marine service for bulk food shipments, building materials, vehicles including trucks and off-road vehicles, household goods, and many other essential services for our communities.
Until the ice moves off and the Kamutik W can sail north, we must ensure that passengers are accommodated.
We will have another update on this once it becomes available.