No. H193/05For release October 6, 2005
OTTAWA - Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre today announced that following a
competitive bidding process, Verreault Navigation Inc. of Les Méchins, Quebec,
has been awarded a $4.8 million contract to modify and enhance some of the
design elements of the ferry M/V Madeleine operated by CTMA Traversier Ltée.
between Cap-aux-Meules, in the Iles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, and Souris, Prince
Edward Island.
"As a Madelinot, I am proud of the quality service offered by the Madeleine
to our community and Prince Edward Island," said Mr. Lapierre. "Today, we are
taking steps to modernize our ferry so it can continue to serve us well for
years to come."
The Madeleine will be equipped with a new stern and modified to expand the
loading deck, allow the ferry to carry more cargo and dock more easily, and
provide better access for inspections and maintenance. This work is expected to
prolong the life of the ferry by 10 to 15 years. Verreault Navigation Inc. will
undertake these modifications between February and March 2006, when the ferry is
not in service. If the work cannot be completed within this period of time,
another ferry will be used to ensure continued services between Cap-aux-Meules
and Souris.
These changes to the Madeleine will allow the ferry to comply with
requirements developed by Transport Canada to further enhance the safety of all
passenger ferries in Canada. These standards require passenger ferries to have
more sophisticated stability features in case of accidental damage to the hull.
They are based on international requirements established under the Safety of
Life at Sea convention. The standards complement Transport Canada's existing
framework for passenger ferries, including stringent requirements for design and
construction, navigation, crew training, and firefighting and lifesaving
equipment.
The Madeleine is owned by Transport Canada, which is responsible for capital
investments and major repairs. The ferry service between Cap-aux-Meules and
Souris has been operated by CTMA Traversier Ltée. since 1971, on behalf of the
department.
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Contacts:
Irène Marcheterre
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister, Ottawa
(613) 991-0700
Marie-Josée Dubois
Communications
Transport Canada, Ottawa
(613) 993-0055
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca.
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