No. H043/06
For release June 1st, 2006
OTTAWA — The MV Voyageur ferry will be used to provide
essential services between Cap-aux-Meules, Quebec, and Souris, Prince Edward Island
on a temporary basis while the MV Madeleine ferry undergoes modifications
to enhance some of its design elements. The MV Voyageur ferry accommodates
up to 12 passengers and up to 100 commercial/private vehicles.
Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities made
the announcement today, further to Transport Canada's announcement awarding a
contract to Verrault Navigation Inc. of Les Méchins, Quebec, to undertake the
modifications.
"The economic activities of the Magdalen Islands rely on ferry service, as do
residents and tourists who travel to and from the islands," said Minister
Cannon. "This temporary measure will ensure that essential services are
continued until such time as the MV Madeleine is brought back into service."
Depending on its availability, the MV Vacancier ferry will also be used to
provide transportation between Cap-aux-Meules, Quebec, and Souris, Prince Edward
Island.
The MV Madeleine was built in 1979 in Ireland and bought by Transport Canada in
1997 to operate the ferry service between Souris, Prince Edward Island and
Cap-aux-Meules, Quebec. Transport Canada is responsible for capital investments
and major repairs, while the ferry service has been operated by CTMA Traversier
Ltée since 1971 under a contribution agreement.
For information on this temporary ferry service, please contact the CTMA
Traversier Ltée at 1(888) 986-3278.
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Contacts:
Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
(613) 991-0700
Anne-Marie Bouchard
Communications
Transport Canada, Ottawa
(613)993-0055
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.
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