How will the Marine Atlantic ferry rate changes impact Newfoundland and Labrador?

The Marine Atlantic ferry rate changes will put Newfoundland and Labrador at a "severe trade disadvantage" according to the province's Jobs Minister, as passenger fares are reduced by 50% but commercial rates remain unchanged.

How does the Newfoundland trucker Tony Power view the impact of the ferry rate changes on consumers?

Power believes the impact on the everyday lives of people in Newfoundland and Labrador will be minimal, as the rate cuts won't be passed on to consumers by merchants.

Home / Business and Economy / Newfoundland Trucker Warns of Trade Woes from Unequal Ferry Rates

Newfoundland Trucker Warns of Trade Woes from Unequal Ferry Rates

Q: What concerns does the Newfoundland trucker Tony Power have about the ferry rate changes?

Power believes the lack of commercial rate cuts could lead to delays in product deliveries, as increased passenger traffic could reduce available space for commercial trucks on the ferries.

3 Aug

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Summary

Passenger fares on Marine Atlantic ferries reduced by 50%, but commercial rates unchanged
Newfoundland and Labrador minister says this puts province at "severe trade disadvantage"
Trucker says rate cuts won't impact consumers, but could delay product deliveries

As of August 3rd, 2025, passengers riding the Marine Atlantic ferry will see a 50% reduction in the cost of their tickets. However, this same benefit will not extend to commercial passengers and truckers.

Newfoundland and Labrador's Minister of Jobs, Gerry Byrne, has expressed concern that this decision puts the province at a "severe trade disadvantage" compared to other Atlantic provinces. But one local trucker, Tony Power of Power Trucking in Holyrood, believes the impact on everyday life in the province will be minimal.

"It was no big surprise, really. And it ain't going to impact the everyday lives of people here very much anyway, even if they're reduced," Power told CBC News. He pays $735 for a one-way trip for his 75-foot truck, and believes that if he were to reduce rates for merchants, they would not pass on the savings.

Power sided with comments made by St. John's East MP Joanne Thompson, who said the rates needed to be frozen to protect other merchants in the industry. However, Power did express concerns that the lack of commercial rate cuts could lead to delays in product deliveries, as increased passenger traffic could reduce available space for commercial trucks on the ferries.

"You're going to have less trucks per vessel," Power explained. "Those trucks that were there Tuesday for the [dangerous goods] crossing got to sit there 'till Wednesday. So, like, they got an extra two days on the wharf, which is delaying their products."

While the provincial government sees this as a blow to the economy, Power believes the impact on consumers will be limited. However, the potential for delivery delays remains a concern for the trucking industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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