NDP GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO FOCUS ON REPLACING FERRY SERVICE OPERATOR
Date: Friday December 18, 2009

(Clare, NS) Liberal Transportation Critic Wayne Gaudet expressed concern today for the 120 full and part time employees in Yarmouth, laid off by Bay Ferries Limited. The Company announced today it is canceling the seasonal ferry service from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia to Maine.

"This is devastating for the families of those employees and to all the businesses operating in South Western Nova Scotia," said Gaudet. "This is a vital link for our region. Already, we have lost rail service, air service and bus service is being cut back. The ripple effect from this decision extends right through this end of the province."

Currently, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is undertaking a study of the transportation systems in South West Nova Scotia. It has yet to issue its recommendations.
The NDP government signaled to Bay Ferries it would not be willing to continue to subsidize service.

"The priority of this government must be to find another operator for a ferry service between Nova Scotia and the US. We cannot afford to lose this link," said Gaudet. "It is vital that we have sustainable links for commerce and tourism in this region. Obviously, with the need for an international link between the U-S and Canada it is time for the federal government to also assist."

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