Central Labrador is a hub of activity and is set in one of the most beautiful regions of our province and country.

Jan 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 14, 2021
 

Labrador Chamber Concerned with Business Impact of Air Canada’s Goose Bay Station Closure

 

Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL – The Labrador North Chamber of Commerce (LNCC) is expressing its concern with Air Canada’s continued reduction in service, particularly the suspension of all passenger operations to the Goose Bay Airport effective January 23, 2021.

“The LNCC was advised on Tuesday of the imminent closure of Air Canada’s Goose Bay Station,” explains LNCC Chairperson Andy Turnbull. “While we recognize the impact of COVID-19 on many industries, we are particularly concerned with the impact of this closure on business in the region. With continued government-imposed travel restrictions to a very vulnerable sector, we recognize both the short and long-term effects this closure will have on regional business development.”

A reliable air transportation network is necessary for business travel, access to medical travel for special health services, the development and growth of the tourism industry, as well as attraction of newcomers and further development of the natural resource sector. Challenges will emerge with respect to connecting rural regions such as Labrador to the Atlantic and national flight network.

“A disproportionate number of the workforce in the province are on rotational schedules, and we are concerned with the impact this reduction in service will have on families, communities and industry in Labrador,” says Turnbull. “We fear this will further exasperate the already strained recruitment and retention of professionals required to meet Labrador’s regional labour market needs.”

The LNCC commends PAL Airlines’ commitment to Labrador who continues to serve its customers throughout Labrador, the island, as well as Quebec and New Brunswick.

“We recognize that we have a strong regional carrier in PAL Airlines that can alleviate some of these pressures,” says Turnbull. “We can only hope consideration will be given to connecting to other routes and networks to ensure efficient continuation of flight travel with economical travel options.”

The LNCC remains available to develop a collective plan to support and encourage return to travel for businesses and residents throughout Labrador, and urges all levels of government to recognize and drive the rapid recovery of critical transportation links throughout the province.

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Contact:
Julianne Griffin
Chief Executive Officer
Labrador North Chamber of Commerce
(709) 896-8787