Newfoundland and Labrador filed a request on June 16, 2026 to intervene in the marine atlantic essential service hearing over whether the ferry operator should remain designated as an essential service. The province said the hearing involves the Canada Industrial Relations Board and Marine Atlantic and Unifor are in collective bargaining.
The government said it respects the bargaining process, but is concerned Marine Atlantic’s longstanding designation could be reconsidered. Premier Tony Wakeham said keeping that status protects the public interest.
Tony Wakeham on Marine Atlantic
Wakeham said Marine Atlantic provides a service that is constitutionally guaranteed under the Terms of Union. He also said the ferry service functions in a manner equivalent to the Trans-Canada Highway.
In the province’s statement, Marine Atlantic’s ferry service was described as a vital link for transporting food, fuel and medical supplies in Newfoundland and Labrador. The service also supports health care, supply chains and public safety.
Canada Industrial Relations Board
The province’s request puts the Canada Industrial Relations Board at the center of the dispute over the designation. Marine Atlantic’s essential-service status is the issue the hearing is weighing, and the province is now asking to be heard before that question is settled.
Wakeham paired support for collective bargaining with support for uninterrupted service for residents and businesses. “Maintaining Marine Atlantic’s essential service status protects the public interest. We support a resolution that respects collective bargaining while ensuring uninterrupted service for residents and businesses,” he said.
He also said, “Marine Atlantic provides a service that is constitutionally guaranteed under the Terms of Union. The ferry service functions in a manner equivalent to the Trans-Canada Highway, and Marine Atlantic’s essential role means disruptions cannot compromise public safety and well-being.” The immediate question now is how the board handles the province’s request to intervene.
