Premier Stephen McNeil committed to Nova Scotia to Maine link

Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil is firm that his government will continue to support a link between Nova Scotia and New England, even as the current ferry operator's future is cast in doubt.

On Tuesday the province's transportation minister sounded the alarm about the performance of Nova Star Cruises, the company that runs the ferry between Yarmouth and Portland, Maine.

Geoff MacLellan called the passenger numbers disappointing. He says they're stagnant and the company is not on track to meet the 80,000 passenger target for 2015.

Nova Star has also not provided the government with audited financial statements.

The government is in talks with three other companies that could take over the ferry service.

On Wednesday McNeil says his government is still committed to the service. 

"We still have more work to do in this season. We'll wait to see what the final numbers are. But let me be clear, as premier I'm committed to that link to the New England states," he said. "No decision has been made if it'll be the current [operator] or a future one, but let me be certain we are committed to a ferry service from Yarmouth."

Federal funding wanted

The premier says he's looking to drum up support from the federal political parties as they begin campaigning.

"I'm hoping our candidates in the federal election, of all parties, will also express their support and bring the federal government onboard as being a partner. This is an international link. This is Canada's link to the eastern seaboard. We want the federal government to be part of that, helping us ensure that service is there for the long run," he said.  "And do so in a way that puts some finances to it."

MacLellan expects to make a decision about the 2016 operator the week of Aug. 17.

"There's lots more information to come in," said McNeil.

Nova Star's service from Yarmouth to Portland is scheduled to end on Oct. 13. Then the ferry is set to begin three trips a day across the English Channel on Nov. 1, part of a service operated by English company Euroferries Express.

The province pumped more than $28 million last year into the ferry service between Nova Scotia and Maine.

So far this year, Nova Star has received $8.1 million of a possible $13 million subsidy for the year. The company has also requested disbursement of $2.5 million more in the last few weeks.