Canadian Ferry Operators Welcome Government Financial Plan

The Canadian Ferry Operators Association (CFOA) has said it welcomed Prime Minister Harper’s announcement of the framework for the New Building Canada Plan (NBCP).  Details were also released on the New Building Canada Fund (NBCF), the $14-billion component of the NBCP that will support infrastructure projects of national, regional and local significance that promote job creation and economic growth.

“The Harper government has clearly demonstrated its commitment to developing and renewing Canada’s transportation infrastructure through this $53 billion investment,” said Serge Buy, CEO of CFOA.  “The eligibility of Canada’s ferry infrastructure under the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component of the NBCF will help support our ferry operators as they continue to provide vital economic connections for Canadians across the country.”
 
Ferries form an essential part of Canada’s transportation infrastructure, and ferry operators make key contributions in driving Canada’s economy.  Last year, according to the association, CFOA ferry operators:

• Connected people and markets across the country by transporting nearly 40.7 million passengers and over 14.8 million vehicles;
• Contributed to Canada’s economic growth by employing more than 8,400 Canadians, by helping generate more than 22,600 jobs and by maintaining operating budgets of over $1 billion;
• Provided essential transportation services and vital links to Canada’s remote communities by operating nearly 180 ferries on over 120 routes;
• Continued to provide a safe and environmentally friendly means of transportation by investing in cleaner technologies and more efficient vessels, and by contributing to a noteworthy industry safety record. 
  
  www.cfoa.ca