Group fights to save P.E.I.-N.S. ferry subsidy

A coalition of groups concerned about the future of the ferry service between P.E.I. and Nova Scotia is calling for a meeting with federal Transport Minister Chuck Strahl.

The group wants Ottawa to commit to a 15-year subsidy agreement with Northumberland Ferries.

The route between Wood Islands, P.E.I., and Caribou, N.S., connects the Trans-Canada Highway to the island.

Northumberland has been operating the service since the 1940s.

One of the groups leading the lobby effort is the Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I.

Thom MacMillan, the association's president, said groups on both sides of the Northumberland Strait are concerned about the current five-year subsidy agreement, which is slated to run out at the end of this season.

Ottawa is reviewing the agreement, worth $5 million annually in subsidies.

MacMillan said federal politicians need to know how important the service is and why a long-term agreement is needed. He is concerned that it is even under review.

"We don't know what's happening with that review or what they're actually reviewing," he said.

"It's an important link between P.E.I. and Nova Scotia. It's the second largest entry point for P.E.I. and the second largest entry point for traffic into Nova Scotia."

He said the group wants to see a contract of at least 15 years so that affected businesses can make long-term plans.

"We would like to see obviously no reduction in the level of service and actually to look at an increase in the level of service," he said.

MacMillan encouraged Islanders and Nova Scotians to email their MPs to voice their concerns on the ferry issue.