The Northern Ranger, one of the vessels that services northern Labrador, cannot sail until it is stocked with new lifeboats.
Photo Credit: CBC

Labrador residents furious about food shortages

Canada is a huge country with people in remote locations often relying on ships or planes to bring in food and goods. In the eastern-most region of Labrador, residents and politicians are furious over delays in deliveries and the resulting empty shelves.

“It’s depressing. It’s affecting our lives,” said Martha Winters-Abel, a resident of Hopedale. “A simple thing like food—you can’t get. I know we’re isolated, but God, it’s 2014. Something has to be done.”

Supply ships are disabled

The ship that normally brings in supplies, the MV Astron, has a broken crane and another vessel, the MV Northern Ranger cannot sail because it is waiting for lifeboats.

Food is being flown in but is prohibitively expensive. For example, 450 grams of ground beef sells for about 10 dollars. At the same time the supply of canned goods is dwindling.

Repairs at the Astron should begin on Wednesday and the ship should be on its way back to Labrador this weekend, according to marine officials.

Categories: Society
Tags:

Do you want to report an error or a typo? Click here!

For reasons beyond our control, and for an undetermined period of time, our comment section is now closed. However, our social networks remain open to your contributions.