Atlantic ferries promised federal funding

The federal government has committed $83 million to maintaining ferry service in Atlantic Canada.

Fisheries Minister Gail Shea on Tuesday announced an additional $51 million on top of the $32 million already allocated for ferry service in the region in the 2010 federal budget.

A federal news release said the money will go toward ferry services between Saint John and Digby, N.S., and between Wood Islands, P.E.I., and Caribou, N.S., to March 31, 2014.

The money will also support year-round ferry service between Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Que., and Souris, P.E.I., for four years beginning in 2011.

The announcement also includes provisions for Canadian Coast Guard icebreaking services.

Rodney Weston, Conservative MP for Saint John, said Tuesday he was pleased with the funding commitment.

"[Ferry service] is a big concern for me in the Saint John area," Weston said. "I think most people realize the bulk of the employment occurs on the Saint John side of the Saint John-Digby ferry, and to me, it's so important that we see that continue."

He said the federal government is in talks with New Brunswick, P.E.I. and Nova Scotia about their contributions to the ferry service.

"We anticipate this ferry service will continue," said Weston.

On Monday, P.E.I. Premier Robert Ghiz and N.S. Premier Darrell Dexter called on the federal government to come forward with a 15-year funding commitment to the Northumberland Ferry that runs between the two provinces.

The service is currently under review by Transport Canada.