Atlantic Canada Ferry Service Gets Govt Funding

BFL The Government of Canada is committing CAD 51.9 million to extend contracts for one year for interprovincial ferry services in Atlantic Canada and for the disposal of the MV Princess of Acadia. Aged MV Princess of Acadia was taken out of service in July 2015 and replaced by the MV Fundy Rose. The investment is going to enable continuous ferry services until March 31, 2017, between Saint John, NB, and Digby, NS; between Wood Islands, PEI and Caribou, NS; and between Iles-de-la-Madeleine, QC and Souris, PEI, as announced by Marc Garneau, Canadas Minister of Transport. “The Government of Canada is pleased to provide financial support to these communities in Atlantic Canada and Eastern Quebec which rely on trade and tourism for economic prosperity and community development. These ferry services contribute to the regional economy and provide safe and efficient transportation to visitors and residents,” says Garneau.
The funding, announced as part of Budget 2016, is aimed at supporting operations, maintenance and repair of ferry assets. Transport Canada owns four vessels and six ferry facilities in Atlantic Canada that are leased to private operators for a nominal amount. From 2010 to 2015, the Government of Canada has invested approximately $240 million to support these Atlantic Canada ferry services.