Government announces new ferry for P.E.I. to Nova Scotia service
CARIBOU, N.S. – Pictou West MLA Karla MacFarlane is cautiously optimistic with the federal government’s long-term commitment to the ferry service between Wood Islands, P.E.I. to Caribou, N.S.
Tuesday’s federal budget announced plans to replace the MV Holiday Island with a new ferry.
The budget also extended Transport Canada’s ferry services contribution program until 2022 with existing service levels and fleet size, which ensures two vessels will continue to operate between P.E.I. and Nova Scotia.
“It is great news,” MacFarlane said. “I’m certain there are a number of stakeholders that are certainly smiling right now.”
That said, she does have some concerns.
“The timing is quite obvious,” she said. “Is this just an election promise?”
She said she’d feel a lot more comfortable that the promise will come to fruition if there were details released, including the timing of when the ferry will be replaced and what type of vessel it will be.
The ferry service is extremely important to Pictou County, she said, including to the tourism and transport industries.
“It’s definitely something that we need to ensure continues.”
P.E.I.s’ Cardigan MP Lawrence MacAulay, who has been a vocal advocate for the ferry, said he was pleased to see the commitment to what he considers a vital service.
“This is an issue I’ve dealt with for many, many years and now we have a new vessel, a long-term commitment, and a way to move forward with long-term contracts which is so important for the economy of P.E.I.,” said MacAulay. “Now of course, the (MV) Confederation will be there for a long time and this will be a brandnew boat. Without a doubt this is a great day.”
There was no dollar figure or timeline attached to the commitment of building a new ship, which will still require requests for proposals to be issued.
“Now we have to enter negotiations with boat builders,” said MacAulay. “It’s a major commitment.”
P.E.I. Premier Wade MacLauchlan praised the announcement as well as MacAulay’s advocacy throughout the years.
“He deserves a lot of credit for this,” said MacLauchlan. “It’s really important to see this commitment and the benefits and results that it will bring for all of Prince Edward Island and, in particular, eastern P.E.I.”