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Ferry fight

by Brian DuBreuil Posted: Mar 20, 2012 11:11 AM ET Last Updated: Mar 20, 2012 11:11 AM ET

You can say one thing about the folks in Southwest Nova Scotia - they aren't quitters.

In 2009, the NDP government cancelled its $5.6 million subsidy, effectively killing the seasonal ferry service between Yarmouth and Maine.

Since then they've held rallies, protests and petition campaigns. They have trotted out real-life stories from business owners on the impact of the decision on their livelihoods.

There have been studies on the impact on the province's tourism industry ($16.3 million and 260 full-time jobs lost, according to one).

They have literally pleaded and begged the Dexter government to throw them a lifeline.

Still they aren't giving up.

On Monday, a group calling themselves The Nova Scotia International Ferry Partnership launched a website to "make a convincing and prevailing business case" to bring back the ferry. It has already attracted "testimonials" from business owners and travelers.

You have to wonder what the people of Southwest Nova think every time they see another news story about the province propping up the pulp and paper industry in Nova Scotia. An industry that with ever-increasing digitization is labelled by many a "sunset" industry.

The latest announcement came last Friday. Premier Darrel Dexter traveled to Port Hawkesbury to announce another $14.8 million to keep the bankrupt NewPage mill, and its supply chain, in a state of readiness while negotiations continue with a potential buyer. That brings the total taxpayer "investment" in that mill to $27.3 in the last year alone, with more to come before a deal is finalized.

That's on top of the $50 million the province spent to keep the Bowater Mersey mill from closing. A mill that is currently on an extended shutdown because it doesn't have enough orders.

Add it all up, and it's the equivalent of almost 15 years worth of subsidies for a ferry service. It's understandable then, that many in Southwest Nova accuse the NDP government of "failing to see the ferry for the trees".

Still, It's hard to imagine how this latest campaign to restore ferry service will succeed where all others have failed.

The Dexter government has been unwavering and resolute in its decision.

But it's clear the people of Southwest Nova are equally determined not to let the issue die.

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About the Author

Brian DuBreuil is a veteran journalist with CBC News. He has won two Gemini awards for his work, and neither involved dancing or singing on a reality show.

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