(Quebec) The Quebec-Lévis ferry, which acts as a “third link” between the two shores, will still be deprived of a boat for several months, announces the Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ).
Posted at 2:40 p.m.
The STQ argues “circumstances beyond its control”. She blames the labor shortage.
“Although the second ship is currently available for the operation, the Quebec-Lévis ferry has been forced to deal, since last November, with a major shortage of manpower and must optimize the resources in place in order to ensure to offer the service to the population”, argues a press release from the Company.
The Quebec-Lévis ferry usually operates with two ships. One of them, however, was withdrawn last spring to be reassigned to L’Isle-aux-Coudres.
Initially, the return of the second ship was announced for September. It has since been continually pushed back. The STQ now evokes a return to normal next June.
“The current wave of COVID-19 has forced the cancellation of mandatory training in the teaching center, thus preventing the STQ from having to date the minimum number of qualified crew members required to be able to operate the second vessel according to the Transport Canada rules,” she wrote.
“It is deplorable! »
The organization Accès transports viables denounced the situation. He believes that the government “lacks leadership” with its ferries.
“Breakage, replacements, shortage of manpower… the setbacks persist on our ferries, in particular on the Quebec-Lévis ferry,” denounces Étienne Grandmont, general manager of Accès transports viables.
“It is time for us to feel some leadership from the government, which sometimes seems to be in “degrowth management” mode. »
Approximately 300,000 vehicles and 100,000 bicycles use the crossing each year.