Government of Canada consulting industry about a long-term solution toward reliable Ferry Services in Eastern Canada
News Release
Supporting a high quality and reliable service through a long term solution
May 5, 2017 – Ottawa, Ontario
The Government of Canada announced today that it is consulting industry on a long-term and reliable approach to the delivery of the Eastern Canada Ferry Services, which includes three inter-provincial ferry services that operate between: Saint John, New Brunswick and Digby, Nova Scotia; Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island and Caribou Nova Scotia; and Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec and Souris, Prince Edward Island.
These services are an important part of the fabric of regional and local communities and economies, as they connect people and facilitate tourism and trade. The Government is committed to a long-term approach for these ferry services and a new delivery model that will provide certainty and sustainability to communities through high quality service with newer and better vessels, while supporting the regional Atlantic and Quebec economies.
Through this Request for Information, the Government is seeking industry input on how ferry services can be delivered more effectively and efficiently, including the potential for operators to supply vessels for the services and estimated costs. The Government is also seeking information about how new long-term contracts of up to 20 years could bring industrial and broader economic benefits to Canada, and provide stability and certainty for communities, thereby supporting local economies.
Under the new long-term approach, contracts would include provisions requiring that all repair and maintenance work be done in Canada. Once the Request for Information is complete, the results will be analyzed and it is anticipated that the Government will move forward with a Request for Proposal.
Budget 2017 proposes to provide $278.3 million, over five years, for the continued safe and reliable operations of these three ferry services. This funding will support a transition to a long-term approach and demonstrates the Government’s commitment to the ferry services and the communities and businesses they serve.
Quotes
“The three federally supported ferry services in Atlantic Canada and eastern Quebec are important to local communities and regional economies. From visiting friends and family to getting goods to market, middle-class Canadians in Atlantic Canada and eastern Quebec – as well as tourists and businesses – rely on safe and efficient ferry services to support vibrant and sustainable communities. The delivery of the three Eastern Canada ferry services through long-term contracts will provide certainty and sustainability to communities, and benefit the Canadian marine industry.”
Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport
"Our government understands the importance of these services and is committed to a procurement process that generates meaningful benefits for Canada and supports good, middle-class jobs for Canadians. We are working closely with industry, mindful of the need to better serve ferry users and their communities."
Steven MacKinnon
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement
Quick Facts
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The three inter-provincial ferry services support local communities and contribute to regional economies. Since 2005-06, the Government of Canada has invested approximately $390 million in these services.
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The ferry services support tourism as well as passenger and commercial traffic in Atlantic Canada and Eastern Quebec.
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The three ferry services are currently provided by private operators using Transport Canada owned vessels through federal contribution agreements.
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Three inter-provincial ferry services receive federal funding in Eastern Canada. They are the ferry services operating between: Saint John, NB and Digby, NS; Wood Islands, PEI and Caribou, NS; and Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC and Souris, PEI.
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Contacts
Delphine Denis
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Delphine.Denis@tc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
media@tc.gc.ca
PSPC media contacts:
Annie Trépanier
Office of the Honourable Judy M. Foote
819-997-5421
Media Relations
Public Services and Procurement Canada
819-420-5501