OTTAWA,
ON, July 5, 2024 /CNW/ - The communities we're
building should be places where Canadians and young families can
put down roots and build their futures. Connected communities grow
our economy, help entrepreneurs set up shop, and give everyone a
fair chance to succeed. Marine Atlantic Inc. is the federal
Crown corporation that maintains daily, year-round freight and
passenger ferry service between North
Sydney, Nova Scotia, and Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and
Labrador (NL). This ferry service
is essential for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, Atlantic
Canadians, and their communities, and it's a critical component of
Canada's transportation
network.
Today, the Minister of Transport, Pablo
Rodriguez, announced that the government is eliminating the
policy that required Marine Atlantic Inc. to recover, through
revenue, 65% percent of most of its operating expenses. By
eliminating this cost-recovery policy, the government is keeping
services affordable for residents, tourists, and businesses.
Without the formal cost-recovery policy, Marine Atlantic Inc. is
better able to respond to passenger needs, and ensure continued,
safe, and reliable ferry services.
Quote
"Marine Atlantic is a vital service for Newfoundlanders and
Labradorians, and Atlantic Canadians. Our government is eliminating
the overall cost-recovery policy, because that's the fair thing to
do"
The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez
Minister of Transport
"People are feeling the pinch right now. More money for Marine
Atlantic means keeping rates affordable and the cost of goods
down."
The Honourable Seamus O'Regan
Minister of Labour and Minister for Seniors
"Marine Atlantic is lifeline for Newfoundlanders
and Labradorians so helping keep their costs down, keeps costs
down for everyone."
The Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Minister of Rural Economic Development of Canada
Quick facts
- Marine Atlantic Inc.'s services are integral to the regional
economy as it provides for the transportation of perishable food,
medical supplies, dangerous goods, as well as transports residents
and tourists to and from the Island of Newfoundland.
- The ferry service between North
Sydney, NS, and Channel-Port aux
Basques, NL, is a critical component of Canada's transportation network.
- Marine Atlantic Inc. also operates a seasonal ferry service
between North Sydney, NS, and
Argentia, NL.
- In 2023-24, Marine Atlantic Inc. transported 367,786
passengers, 145,257 passenger vehicles, and 91,088 commercial
vehicles, and employed over 1,300 people.
- In the interest of keeping the service affordable, Marine
Atlantic Inc. has not increased the fares for passengers on the
Channel-Port aux Basques route
since 2017, and commercial fares on the same route have been stable
since 2020.
- Since 2015, Marine Atlantic Inc. has received over $1.8 billion in federal funding to enable its
operations.
Associated link
Marine Atlantic website
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SOURCE Transport Canada - Ottawa