Tunnel vision: Doyle gets MP support on fixed link review

A St. John's MP persuaded fellow parliamentarians to support consideration of a fixed link that would connect northern Newfoundland to the Canadian mainland.

"I think it would be good for national unity as well," St. John's East MP Norm Doyle told the House of Commons during a Tuesday night debate.

"It would provide an opportunity to the governments of Canada and Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador to work together for the common good of this underdeveloped, northern region of our country."

Doyle asked the Commons to debate a motion asking the federal government to look at ways to improve transportation between the island and mainland Canada, including the idea of a tunnel.

A 2005 consultants' study found a fixed link was technically feasible, but would cost about $1.7 billion, with most of that coming from taxpayers. Options included a combination of a tunnel and a causeway.

Doyle said the investment, though considerable, would make possible a number of large-scale economic developments.

"I have no doubt that the money for it could be found if there was a collective political will to find it," he said.

"Economically speaking, this region of Canada is ripe with hydro electric and mining potential."

After a short debate, the House passed Doyle's motion.

Transportation links between Newfoundland and the rest of Canada have long been a sore point in the province. Marine Atlantic offers a ferry service from the southern Newfoundland communities of Port aux Basques and Argentia.

A provincial ferry links northern Newfoundland with Blanc Sablon, Que.