BELFAST, P.E.I. - Darlene Compton has written to the federal Transport minister in hopes of avoiding issues that plagued the Wood Islands Gerry service in 2016.
The Belfast-Murray River MLA says the ferry service between P.E.I. and Nova Scotia needs a long-term solution, with help from both the federal and provincial governments.
With crossings beginning again around May, Compton said the people who rely on the service deserve some clarity about the ferries’ future.
“Already we’re hearing concerns that there may be maintenance and capital work needed for the boats, so that’s why I have written the federal Transport minister for a progress update on these issues,” said Compton.
The two ferries currently in operation - the MV Confederation and MV Holiday Island - are 25 and 48 years of age respectively, and are owned and maintained by the federal government.
Mechanical issues led to extended service disruptions throughout the 2016 season. Following that season, all-party support was secured in the provincial legislature that led to the creation of the Wood Islands Ferry Task Force to advise government on ways to ensure the long-term sustainability of the full, two ferry service.
Related: Wood Islands ferry task force formed to make recommendations on service’s future
Since then, the contract with the ferry operator has been extended until 2020 and the federal government launched a request for information to gauge interest from potential operators.
Compton says there have been no additional updates from Transport Canada.
“Through the creation of the Ferry Task Force and other measures some progress has been made, but we need both levels of government working to keep this momentum going to get a long-term solution,” said Compton.
