DIGBY, N.S. (CNB) - The governments of Canada, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are making a $19.1-million investment to ensure the continued operation of the Digby-Saint John ferry service until Jan. 31, 2011, and to repair the Digby Fishermen's Wharf.
The announcement was made today in Digby by Energy Minister Jack Keir; Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) Peter MacKay; Nova Scotia Minister of Environment and Minister of Labour and Workforce Development Mark Parent; and Fundy Royal MP Rob Moore.
"We are pleased to be collaborating with our federal and provincial partners to continue the Digby-Saint John ferry service," said Keir. "The ferry is an important part of the region's infrastructure and supply chain to U.S. markets. Keeping it running until Jan. 31, 2011, will greatly benefit the economy and tourism in Atlantic Canada."
The Government of Canada will invest $11.1 million, with the provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia each investing an additional $2 million over two years. The Government of Canada will also invest $3 million for the Digby Harbour Port Association to fund necessary repairs to the wharf and the port.
The two-year extension to the ferry service will be used to assess commercial and transportation alternatives and economic strategies. ACOA, working with its provincial government partners, will invest up to $1 million for this assessment.
"We recognize the importance of the ferry to the economy," MacKay said. "We have listened to community and business leaders who rely on these important assets, and delivered results for them and the people of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick."
MacKay attended on behalf of Lawrence Cannon, minister of transport, infrastructure and communities.
"By providing financial assistance to extend the ferry service, we are promoting a more productive economy, encouraging long-term competitiveness and sustainability, and improving the quality of life for our communities," Cannon said. "Our government is also committed to ensuring the safe and effective operation of our ports. Repairs to the Digby Fishermen's Wharf will help the local economy, and ensure that safety is maintained at the port."
"This link is vitally important to the economies of both southwestern Nova Scotia and southern New Brunswick," said Greg Thompson, minister of veterans affairs. "The government recognizes how this service increases access to domestic and U.S. markets, and is proud to partner with the provinces."
"Our governments want to sustain the economic ties that we have built over the years through the ferry service," said Richard Hurlburt, Nova Scotia minister of energy. "With this funding we are continuing to provide a safe and reliable service, and maintaining important economic links within our region and within the country."
"Today's announcement is good news not only for Digby but for the entire regional economy," said Jim Thurber, warden of the Municipality of Digby. "I am pleased with the investment being made to help repair the wharf, which is critical for our local fishing industry. The investment to continue the ferry service is a positive step forward. The Bay of Fundy Transportation Coalition remains committed to working with our government partners to find a long-term solution which will secure a service which we believe is absolutely essential to the growth of our region."
08/08/01
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01-08-08