MLAs cross borders to support ferry service

P.E.I. MLA Darlene Compton will hold a news conference Tuesday with N.S. MLA Karla MacFarlane to address ongoing problems with the ferry service connecting the two Maritime provinces.

Northumberland Ferries is attempting to service the route with just one boat this summer, because the MV Holiday Island is undergoing repairs. The reduced service is leading to delays for many travellers, and trucking companies in particular.

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"I've got concerns as the MLA for Belfast-Murray River, and for Eastern P.E.I., that we're being ignored or they're not interested," said Compton.

"We're hearing $65,000,000 for the bypass in Cornwall, $24 million for the national parks, and there's not a word about keeping the ferry service going, and it's a vital link for Eastern P.E.I. and Nova Scotia."

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Northumberland Ferries has added two overnight runs for the MV Confederation in an effort to keep traffic moving across the Northumberland Strait. There is still no word on when the MV Holiday Island will return to service.

Immediate solution and long-term plan

MacFarlane, the N.S. MLA for Pictou West, plans to take the ferry to P.E.I. Tuesday morning, where she and Compton will hold a joint press conference. They want to put pressure on the premiers of their provinces to demand answers from the federal government.

"I think both MLA McFarlane and myself would say we want to push our premiers to go to Ottawa, and take a firm stand on this," said Compton.

"We need a resolution and we need it to be immediate, not only an immediate resolution but a long-term plan for the ferries."

After the press conference, Compton and MacFarlane plan to take the ferry back to Nova Scotia, and spend the trip talking to tourists, truck drivers, and people who work on the ship.

Compton said the reduced ferry service has hit the east end of the Island hard, that it's been a pain for residents and tourists, and local businesses are suffering.

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