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NS: Protestors head to Halifax to save ferry
By Carla Allen, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Vanguard, Feb. 2, 2010
[YARMOUTH, NS] — News that the Government of Nova Scotia will still be paying $3 million to Bay Ferries this year as a “termination fee” is driving those involved in the tourism industry to even greater lengths to secure a ferry for 2010.
In fact, it is driving them all the way to Halifax.
They are encouraging everyone to join a Rally for a Lifeline demonstration at the Nova Scotia legislature on Thursday, February 4, at 10 a.m.
Yarmouth Mayor Phil Mooney says the rally will be an opportunity for all stakeholders to come together to lobby provincial counterparts.
“Every interested citizen is invited. This will again show the true impact that this has on all Nova Scotians,” he said.
The Cat — Carla Allen photo
In December, the NDP government told Bay Ferries it would not provide a subsidy to The Cat for its Yarmouth to Maine service. The fallout has been estimated to result in 500 plus job losses and millions of dollars removed from the provincial economy.
A provincial delegation and supporters have several requests for the government of Nova Scotia.
They want to see the $3 million scheduled to be paid to Bay Ferries in 2010 as a cancellation fee instead be utilized as a subsidy to the company for 2010 service.
They also want the provincial government to immediately engage with the Canadian federal government to request support and funding to secure the remaining subsidy required for service by Bay Ferries in 2010 for service between Yarmouth and New England. They are requesting that this funding be immediately transferred to Bay Ferries to ensure that critical marketing and booking deadlines are not missed and service for 2010 can occur.
And lastly, they want work to begin immediately on securing service between Yarmouth NS and New England in 2011 and beyond.
The Town of Yarmouth has committed to providing free bus transportation to those who wish to participate in the demonstration.
Related News
- View all news related to Nova Scotia
- View all news related to the following key words: $3 million, 2010 ferry service, Bay Ferries, Government of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia legislature, protestors, Rally for a Lifeline, termination fee, The Cat, Yarmouth
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Comments:
My sincere best wishes to those able to attend this Rally.
Unfortunately, if I recall correctly, the Premiere will be out of town on Thursday. I’m not sure what the net result of the his absence will be, though, since it is quite obvious that his mind is made up on this issue and to backpedal or change his mind now could be seen as a sign of weekness in an increasingly unpopular Government.
Our large family has been traveling annually on The Bluenose & then The Cat since 1956. Frequently both ways 2 or 3 times a yr
The discontinuance of this ferry will greatly influence our summer vacations destination of the South Shore of N.SWe are now five families within our immediate family.Half a century of wonderful memories of that crossing are part of the vacation. I know many other tourists will be discouraged by driving all around thru N.B.
Please reconsider this great reduction to visits for all of us.
Dexter is always out of town whenever their is an accountability test. Since the NDP are gonna raise our taxes and not cut expenses, the ferry should be running.
Unfortunately, we know the Cat is not the answer to transportation problems in SW Nova. The Government of NS needs to take very seriously the concerns of the SW Tourism and Town of Yarmouth about the impending loss of ferry this summer, but also needs to be working NOW on a longer term solution - to invest in real ferry service that is year-round, can carry commercial vehicles and is on a schedule that benefits SW Nova, not just a few tourists.
My summer vacation plans were almost scuttled when I heard this bad news. I hope todays protest acheives the desired results. My fingers are crossed, for sure.