The ferry service between Saint John, New Brunswick, and Digby, Nova Scotia, on the Bay of Fundy has received a second funding reprieve-a total of 15.1 million from the governments of Canada, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Announcement of the funding was made by Peter MacKay, National Defense Minister who also holds the portfolio for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and who represents Nova Scotia in the Canadian Cabinet. Mackay made the announcement on behalf of Transport Canada, which is actually providing the dollars
The bailout is the response to an announcement by Mark MacDonald, president and CEO of Bay Ferries Ltd., Charlottetown, P.E.I. that the company could not afford to continue the service. The first bailout came in 2006 and was set to expire in January 2009. The new funding will keep the ferry running until January 31, 2011.
The federal government is investing $11.1 million while each of the provinces will contribute $2 million each.
Commercial shippers in Nova Scotia greeted the funding announcement with relief-chief among them Denny Morrow, executive director of the Nova Scotia Fish Packers Association.
Noting that the funding was the second interim reprieve Morrow called for a long-term permanent solution, and he’d like to see funding for a new replacement vessel. The government funding will go toward operation of the current ferry, MV Princess of Acadia. What’s more, Morrow believes that fish shippers, forest shippers and other commercial interests will have to take matters into their own hands.
“Depending on bureaucrats really doesn’t work,” Morrow said, “we’ve got to find a more aggressive solution and find a ferry that will work. We need to invest in a vessel that’s fuel efficient and leave a lower carbon footprint, lower emissions.”
He added that he was pleased that Mackay emphasized seafood shippers in his announcement.
Noting that shipping overland from Digby to Saint John lengthens the trip considerably, compared to the ferry, Morrow said, “Especially now because of petroleum prices we need to take a fresh look at how we get fresh fish to market. We need to challenge the government to take a fresh look at infrastructure.”
As for a long-term solution at the federal level, Maryse Durette, spokesperson for Transport Canada, said that ACOA has been charged with taking the lead on a study in partnership with the provinces. “[ACOA] has a good ear to the ground for economic development and economic needs,” she added.
ACOA spokesperson Chris Brooks said, “As a Crown agency we’ve committed up to $1 million for a comprehensive study over the next two years that will inform any decision that made about this.” He added that ACOA will be looking not just at Digby and Saint John but at the entire area as well.
ACOA has its headquarters in Moncton, New Brunswick, with offices in all of the Atlantic provinces.
In making the funding announcement MacKay said, “We recognize the importance of the ferry to the economy. We have listened to community and business leaders who rely on these important assets and delivered results for them and the people of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.”
Greg Thompson, Veterans Affairs Minister and Member of Parliament for New Brunswick Southwest, said, “This link is vitally important to the economies of both Southwestern Nova Scotia and Southern New Brunswick. The government recognizes how this service increases access to domestic and U.S. markets, and is proud to partner with the provinces.”
The ferry itself provides 110 jobs.