NL Minister rebukes People headline diminishing province to a “freezing island"
Barbour is encouraging people to see beyond the chilly temperatures.
Andrea Barbour, Newfoundland's Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, has penned a letter to People Magazine following what she believes is an unfavourable depiction of her province, challenging the publication to reframe its storytelling.
The incident gained international attention when People picked up on a BBC article about a British Airways flight that left a family from Liverpool, England, “stuck for days” on a “freezing island.”
In late March, Jon Shipman from Crosby, Liverpool, alongside hundreds of other passengers, saw their flight from London, England, to Houston, Texas, diverted to Newfoundland due to a medical emergency, and then further delayed due to a technical issue.
Shipman said passengers were told to find hotels in “sub-zero temperatures” without access to their luggage.
British Airways apologized, and the plane resumed course two days later, but Shipman said he was “furious.”
People Magazine apparently couldn’t resist emphasizing Newfoundland’s chilly conditions in its headline, saying the passengers were stranded on a “freezing Canadian island” for two days.
A screengrab of the headline in question. People Magazine
Tourism Minister weighs in
Yes, it is chilly in Newfoundland, and on the days in question the temperature was hovering around the -10°C mark. However, in her letter, Barbour suggests the headlines diminish the province to nothing more than a cold and barren place, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
“This article frames an unfortunate travel interruption in a way that reflects unfairly on Newfoundland and Labrador,” she writes in her letter, which she shared on Facebook.
“The tone of the headline stating that the aircraft diverted to a frozen island in Canada certainly diminishes us as a province. Yes, it may be cold here during certain times of the year, but it doesn't define us or make our homes any less warm to visitors from all over the world. We are known for our authentic experiences, stunning landscapes, distinct culture, and legendary hospitality for visitors.”
She notes that while travel disruptions are “never ideal,” the staff at “Delta Hotel St. John's Conference Centre were exceptionally accommodating, ensuring travellers were safe, warm, and cared for during a challenging circumstance. Their efforts exemplify the professionalism and compassion that visitors routinely experience in this province.”
Barbour also highlights the province has a “long-standing reputation” for welcoming visitors, referencing the events of September 11, 2001, when Newfoundland and Labrador graciously hosted thousands of stranded passengers, an act of generosity so profound it inspired the musical Come From Away.
“I encourage representation of People Magazine to come smell the salt air, listen to the sounds of our province, explore the corners and coves, and experience for yourself the care and comfort of world-class hospitality right here in Newfoundland and Labrador,” Barbour says.
“I just don’t hear anybody bad-mouthing Newfoundland,” Keith Muise, a resident, tells CTV News.
“You know, you don’t get stranded here. You can’t get stranded in the best province in the country as far as I’m concerned.”
Muise, who lives in Stephenville, made a parody of the headline on Facebook, joking that the stranded passengers endured "more than we could ever imagine."
"They shall make a Disney movie about them some day," he says.
Barbour's letter is dated April 7 — as of the time of this writing, People has not commented on Barbour’s letter nor has it revised its story.
VIDEO: Experience more of Newfoundland here:
Header image: File photo of Barbour courtesy of the Government of Newfoundland. File photo of St. John's courtesy of Canva Pro.