John King
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Jan 16/06) - A joint venture between the Inuvik and Tsiigehtchic bands to operate the Arctic Red River ferry crossing is coming to an end.

Employees of the Arctic Red River ferry crossing were recently unionized. Now, the private contractor, a joint partnership between the Inuvik and Tsiigehtchic bands, wants out for financial reasons. - NNSL file photo

The partnership is called Tri'ih Choo Alaa Limited, and is operating under a contract that was hammered out in 2004.

"A motion was made to request the government to take over ferry operations for at least three years during the Jan. 10 band council meeting," said Grant Scott, Tsiigehtchic band manager.

This follows on the heels of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) unionizing employees of the Arctic Red River ferry crossing.

"This privatization reversal and return of these services to the public sector means better wages, benefits and job security for PSAC members," said Jean-Francois Des Lauriers, union official.

A meeting was held between government officials and representatives from the two bands in Inuvik, Jan. 12, to discuss the possible handover of the ferry operation.

Transportation department spokesperson Bob Kelly said he was unable to comment on the handover

"We haven't received an official notice," Kelly said. "The existing contract began in 2004 and was scheduled to run until 2007. Now we have to wait and see."

All the confusion is leaving Fort McPherson mayor Rebecca Blake more than a little concerned.

The ferry service should start back up sometime in early June, said Blake.

"There would be a lot of angry residents in the communities," Blake said, concerning the prospect of no ferry service by June.

Scott doesn't think there will be a problem, since the government has run the ferry service before.

"I can't speak for the government, but they've been running the ferry for years and did a good job before," Scott said. "It will be ready when it's supposed to be."

If the Arctic Red River ferry crossing does go into the hands of the government, it will be the third ferry crossing to have done so this year.

The Fort Providence and Fort Simpson ferry crossings are both now operated by the government after labour disputes arose between private contractor Rowes Construction and its workers. Employees of both ferry services were unionized by the PSAC.

"We just don't have the bench strength to handle it any more," Scott said on why the bands have decided to relinquish their contract to operate the Arctic Red River ferry service.

"We need to take a breather because council wants to GNWT to take over for three years so it can get reorganized."

The band council passed the motion unanimously.