Feds continue funding Atlantic ferry services

SAINT JOHN, N.B. — The federal government has announced it will provide funding to continue ferry services between Saint John, N.B. and Digby, N.S. and between Wood Islands, P.E.I. and Caribou, N.S. until 2014.

The ferry service is vital to some trucking companies in the region. In October, ctl.ca‘s sister publication Truck News wrote about the importance of the ferry service to commercial vehicle operators.

“The Government of Canada understands the importance of these ferry services to the local communities and economy,” said federal Transport Minister Chuck Strahl. “In addition to providing safe and effective transportation to remote communities, the investments announced today will go a long way in supporting the regional economy and transportation network in Eastern Canada.”

Transport Canada owns four vessels and six ferry facilities that serve these routes. The original lease agreements were set to expire March 31, 2011.