News Release Archive
TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--MARINE FEES ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Province of Nova Scotia is "very disappointed" by the report of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans on marine service fees, and Transportation and Public Works Minister Richie Mann said today he will continue to work for federal recognition of the need for further consideration of the plan being proposed by Coast Guard Commissioner John Thomas. "It is obvious that the Coast Guard has been struggling to satisfy each individual concern and coming up with a plan a day, because they have not done the serious review of costs and services used, in order to establish a rational and acceptable plan for user fees. Until, and unless, they do that, cost recovery will be arbitrary, and will work to the detriment of the community of ports in this province," Mr. Mann said. He noted that the committee had heard near unanimous calls for a moratorium on the imposition of cost recovery until true cost and service levels could be determined. The committee has recommended that the plan move forward as scheduled on the first of June. "We will continue to pursue the issue with the federal government," Mr. Mann said. He has written to every Nova Scotian Member of Parliament outlining the issue and seeking their intervention. Mr. Mann, Economic Renewal Minister Robbie Harrison and Fisheries Minister Jim Barkhouse are also seeking an early meeting with federal Fisheries Minister Fred Mifflin. -30- Contact: Donna McCready 902-424-8687 trp Apr. 24, 1996 - 10:00 a.m.