The Government of Canada is committing $51.9 million to extend contracts for one year for interprovincial ferry services in Atlantic Canada and for the disposal of the MV Princess of Acadia.
This allows for continuous ferry services until March 31, 2017, between Saint John, NB, and Digby, NS; between Wood Islands, PEI and Caribou, NS; and between Iles-de-la-Madeleine, QC and Souris, PEI.
The Government of Canada remains committed to working with the provinces and local communities on a long-term approach for these services.
The funding, announced as part of Budget 2016, will support operations, maintain and repair ferry assets and dispose of the MV Princess of Acadia, which was taken out of service in July 2015 and replaced by the MV Fundy Rose.
From 2010 to 2015, the Government of Canada has invested approximately $240 million to support these Atlantic Canada ferry services.
Transport Canada owns four vessels and six ferry facilities in Atlantic Canada that are leased to private operators for a nominal amount.