Marine Atlantic looking for new big boss; revitalization plan in works

ST. JOHN’S — Federal Crown corp. Marine Atlantic is looking for a chairperson to oversee the company’s strategic direction as well as guidance in risk assessment and management.

The part-time position, posted on the Canada Gazette website, requires the individual to act as the primary link between the corporation and the Minister of Transport.

Marine Atlantic is an essential ferry service link between Newfoundland and Labrador and mainland Canada for both freight and passenger transportation.

Meanwhile, Transport Canada is putting the finishing touches on a long-awaited revitalization strategy report for Marine Atlantic to be introduced this fall.

The strategy, which will include elements such as a fleet renewal strategy, tariff structure and a new governance model to improve long-term efficiencies of the ferry’s operations.

A decision of whether to move the company’s head office from St. John’s to Port aux Basques will not be part of the report, but for the ferry’s board to decide.

In a controversial announcement last year, Transport Canada agreed to maintain Marine Atlantic’s drop trailer service under certain conditions.

In early 2005, the department seriously considered scrapping the service after its own advisory committee responsible for reviewing the ferry’s business model recommended that the government abandon drop service and focus on live load operations.

While many regional owner-ops who rely on live load operations applauded the original advisory committee proposal, it was bitterly opposed by the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association and area unions, who successfully fought to preserve the service.