No. H 238/08
For release - December 12, 2008
OTTAWA — Canada's Transport Minister, John Baird, today announced a pilot project for 2009, which will begin year-round ferry service between the Magdalen Islands and the mainland, under the Atlantic Region Ferry Policy and Program.
The Government of Canada is investing in a pilot project in February and March 2009, which will provide two round-trip crossings per week between Cap-aux-Meules, Magdalen Islands, and Souris, Prince Edward Island.
"I am proud to announce this pilot project, allowing year-round ferry service for residents who rely on this transportation for regular travel," said Minister Baird. "The expansion of this ferry service will serve as a great benefit to the local economy, will promote employment and will give better travel options to tourists and residents alike."
"The Government of Canada is committed to working with members of the community to produce real results," said the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Member of Parliament for Mégantic-L'Érable. "This extension is further proof that our government is taking measures to ensure that our citizens have the transportation necessary to help make our country and our economy stronger."
The Mayor of the Magdalen Islands presented a submission to the Minister of Transport in June 2007, requesting that the ferry to Souris become a year-round service.
A Transport Canada study of socio-economic impacts revealed that year-round service would have a generally positive effect on the community. Transport Canada intends to assess the results of the 2009 pilot and its impact on the community and local economy.
The aim of the Government of Canada's National Marine Policy is to ensure affordable, effective, and safe marine transport services and to encourage fair competition. With regard to ferries, the government has committed to ongoing support for service in remote areas, as well as constitutionally mandated service, while reducing costs for all other services.
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