'The buck doesn't stop anywhere': N.L. ferry users sound off following scathing AG report

A report from Newfoundland and Labrador's auditor general detailing the provincial government's mismanagement of procuring two ferries, and the significant operational delays that followed, should come as no surprise, according to those who rely on the vessels.

The report, released Wednesday, raises numerous concerns related to the Department of Transportation's procurement of the MV Veteran and MV Legionnaire ferries — like a lack of training and oversight — that likely contributed to a combined 607 days out of service in the vessels' first three years of service.

The Veteran and the Legionnaire serve Fogo Island and Bell Island, respectively.

According to Katherine Walters, who lives on Bell Island and has advocated for more government accountability related to the ferries, the report is the latest in a string of concerns.

"Part of what stood out the most for me here is there's an absolute lack of accountability at any stage in this process," Walters told CBC News Sunday.

Walters said the need for accountability stretches back to the purchase and construction of the MV Veteran and MV Legionnaire. The two vessels cost the province about $120 million — and were too large to fit onshore infrastructure at the time.

"How does that happen?" she asked. "When you go to buy a pair of shoes, you know what size you need."