News on Ferry Service...

March 22, 2011

McNeil Commits to Re-establishing a Yarmouth - US Ferry Service
(Halifax, NS) Liberal leader Stephen McNeil told the audience at the Yarmouth and Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon today that a Liberal government would commit a financial investment to an international ferry link between Yarmouth and New England.

"There is no question the decision to abruptly end the subsidy for the ferry was short sighted and has had, and will continue to have, a negative impact on southwestern Nova Scotia and beyond," McNeil said during his speech. "This ferry has proven to be a critical transportation and economic link for all of Nova Scotia."

"Let me be clear. Our caucus and our party want to return an international ferry service to Yarmouth - a Liberal government would commit to an investment for a viable ferry operation."

While the Liberal leader intends to push the Federal government to provide matching funds, he said he would also ensure that a process was in place for all stakeholders to be involved in the approval and selection of a ferry.

"The people in communities across Nova Scotia know what conditions they need to create growth and jobs," said McNeil. "The people in southwestern Nova Scotia know that a ferry link is crucial to those conditions."