For immediate release
Ottawa, July 20, 2020 – The Canadian Ferry Association (CFA) is warning ferry-dependent communities that the lack of federal government support received by operators will impact the economic and social recovery post COVID-19.
While the sector has played a key role to transport first responders, essential travelers and goods to ferry-dependent communities during the pandemic, it has received no support from recent federal relief measures. The federally regulated sector was encouraged to continue its operations during the crisis even though it faced steep decreases in revenues, mounting losses and now added costs to adapt to the new reality.
“The Canadian Ferry Association is calling on the government to show more flexibility and support a crucial part of Canada’s transportation infrastructure,” said Serge Buy, CFA’s CEO.
Organizations such as BC Ferries, Owen Sound Transportation Company and the Société des traversiers du Québec are not eligible for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. While a small fully private part of the sector is eligible for funding, some are facing denials. One such example is the Ottawa River ferries that cannot qualify due to their inability to use 2019 as a comparative year for revenues as a result of the floods.
Other measures, including the recently announced $19 billion in transfers to the provinces, may support some ferries that operate as part of municipal transit infrastructure, but the vast majority of the sector is, once again, ignored.
“This lack of support for the ferry sector is dividing communities in Canada into those that take urban transit in large municipalities and those that rely on other modes of transportation such as ferries,” said Mr. Buy.
CFA will continue discussions with the federal government to help ensure that the sector’s contribution to the country-wide efforts during the pandemic and the recovery are properly recognized and financially supported.
The sector estimates its losses at over $450 million. The impact on ferry-dependent communities could include reduction in services, fleet renewal delays, cancellation of shore-based infrastructure projects and delays in implementation of green energy projects.
See the official Press Release here.
For further information, contact CFA’s CEO, Serge Buy at sbuy@canadianferry.ca or 613-720-1777.
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ABOUT CFA
In 2019, ferries in Canada transported about 55 million passengers, 22 million vehicles and billions of dollars of goods in communities throughout the country, from urban centres to remote regions.
The Canadian Ferry Association represents the sector and its members include eight provincial governments, large urban municipalities, First nations and Crown corporations and private corporations (such as BC Ferries).
For immediate release
Ottawa, March 29, 2020 – The federal government, on March 28, 2020 banned passengers showing any COVID-19 symptoms from boarding planes and inter-city trains. Ferries were not included in that measure.
The Canadian Ferry Association (CFA), which represents the sector in Canada, is concerned about the exclusion of ferries from this measure and believes it has the potential to increase health and safety risks for passengers, crews and the sector’s ability to transport passengers and goods throughout the country.
“People with COVID-19 symptoms should also be banned from boarding ferries unless there are emergency requirements, such as going to a hospital, and only with prior notice to the ferry operator,” said Serge Buy, the CEO of the association. “We urge the federal government to better consult with the ferry sector and provide the national leadership required to support critical continued ferry service to communities across the country.”
Not all ferries have the capacity to sufficiently protect passengers and crews from a potential exposure. The safety and economic impact of a passenger potentially spreading the virus to crew members and other passengers is as significant for ferries as it is for other forms of transportation.
Crews are crucial to providing continued ferry services to communities. Self-isolations, quarantines and confirmed cases of COVID-19 have already worsened severe workforce shortages in the ferry sector. The impact of a crew member being inadvertently infected with COVID-19 may mean that ferries may not be able to service their communities.
For further information, contact CFA’s CEO, Serge Buy at sbuy@canadianferry.ca or 613-720-1777.
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ABOUT CFA
In 2019, ferries in Canada transported about 55 million passengers, 22 million vehicles and billions of dollars of goods in communities throughout the country, from urban centres to remote regions.
The Canadian Ferry Association represents the sector and its members include eight provincial governments, large urban municipalities, First nations and Crown corporations and private corporations (such as BC Ferries).
Is it easier to enable “social distancing” on ferries than on planes and trains?
It depends on the situation of the ferry. Some ferries are large and provide adequate space, but others are small and have limited facilities. As an example, some smaller ferries have only one washroom. If someone with symptoms uses the washroom without declaring it, the virus can potentially spread to other passengers and crew members.
Transport Canada has relaxed rules for passengers on car decks – isn’t that sufficient?
This impacts a small percentage of ferry operators. Some operators stated that they would not be able to enable passengers to stay on car decks as it would create safety risks while others do not have designated car decks. Circumstances vary per operator which is why national rules providing guidance are needed.
Most ferries are different – can national measures work for them?
Like planes, there are small ferries and big ferries. There are significant differences between ferries. But rules addressing bans for people with COVID-19 symptoms to board ferries can be implemented throughout the sector.
To date, Transport Canada has been able to regulate the sector for safety and security, of passengers, irrespective of the diverse and provincial nature of the sector. This would be the first time that the federal government uses the diversity of the sector to shy away from implementing measures to protect passengers and crews.
Ferry traffic is down, doesn’t that enable the sector to provide adequate space for “social distancing”?
Traffic is down in most parts of the country. But services are also reduced with cuts to routes and frequency of service across Canada. But it only takes one infected passenger to spread the virus to crew members for the whole service to be shut down and completely cut off a community – which is what the association is trying to prevent by requesting that the government shows leadership and includes ferries in the new measure.
Ferries are the only way in and out of some communities – is a ban too radical?
Like airplanes and trains, ferries are the only transportation methods to reach some remote communities. We fully expect that, due to emergencies (such as medical), some exceptions to the ban will be granted. This would happen for the ferry sector in the same way it will happen in communities where planes are the only mean of access. But inclusion of ferries is needed to help maintain the service.
Is this a provincial issue?
Ferries operate throughout the country. Some cross rivers and cover short distances while other can represent voyages of ten hours or more. There are municipal ferries and interprovincial ferries. The sector is varied and national leadership is required.
Are ferries not an extension of provincial highways?
No.
The operation of ferries across the country is diverse which is
represented through the Canadian Ferry Association membership. Some indeed are extensions of provincial
highways - but others are municipal, governed by First Nations or privately,
serving remote communities where no highways exist.
Economic impact
Ferry operators are expecting to lay off anywhere between 1,500 to 2,000 employees across the country and lose between $300 and $600 million this year. As recently stated by a provincial official in BC, this is far beyond the capacity of the provinces to deal with.
Ferries docked due to Transport Canada regulations
Annual inspections of ferries at shipyards and drydocks are required by Transport Canada. The sector recognizes that this is part of the routine safety and security system for ferries in Canada. However, with diminished shipyard capacity due to COVID-19, the sector is unable to get these inspections completed. While Transport Canada is stating that case by case reviews will be conducted, the sector is asking for a one-year extension on ship certificates for ferries. Without this extension, it is felt that some ferries will have to be put out of service and communities will find themselves without a crucial link. Ferry operators recognize that the safety of passengers and crews is essential. The measure would risk neither safety nor security of passengers and crews.
Ottawa, Ontario – March 31, 2017 – The Canadian Ferry Association (CFA) applauds the federal government for a significant funding announcement under the New Building Canada Fund to upgrade and expand ferry service in British Columbia. The funding has been granted to BC Ferries for three separate projects.
“Ferries are an important part of Canada’s infrastructure and the Canadian Ferry Association (CFA) worked hard to advocate for the sector’s access to the New Building Canada Fund,” said CFA CEO, Serge Buy. “We thank the federal government for acknowledging the role that ferries play in Canada with today’s announcement in British Columbia and are hopeful that other ferry owners and operators across the country apply and are able to receive support for crucial investments that will benefit passengers and communities served by ferries.”
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, changed the criteria for eligibility for the New Building Canada Fund in 2016, in order to allow for projects related to passenger ferries to qualify. The original eligibility criteria for the fund, established in 2014, excluded most projects related to ferries.
Once completed, the projects announced today will increase safety, make it faster and easier for passengers and vehicles to load and unload, and promote tourist activities – all making a difference for British Columbia’s coastal communities for decades to come.
Related information:
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For more information:
Alyson Queen
Director, Communications
Canadian Ferry Association
NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release
Ottawa, Ontario – September 20, 2016 – During its largest annual conference yet, the members of the Canadian Ferry Operators Association (CFOA) voted to re-name the organization to the Canadian Ferry Association to better reflect the wide range of its members.
“As the national voice for the ferry sector in Canada, I am very proud of the results we are delivering for our members and the credibility we have developed as representatives of our industry. By changing our name to the Canadian Ferry Association, we will better reflect our wide range of members –from owners and operators, to industry associations and municipalities from across the country.
Over the course of the two-day conference, which was themed “Accessibility in the ferry sector”, over 200 attendees from Canada and around the world heard from experts in both the accessibility community and in the marine industry.
The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, opened the conference with a keynote address outlining the importance of the ferry sector in Canada, and also announcing a series of consultationsfor Canadians to inform and contribute to the development of accessibility legislation. Kate Young, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and MP for London West, will offer remarks at the gala dinner event on Tuesday evening, and Sean Fraser, MP for Central Nova, also offered remarks to the delegates.
The 2017 Conference will be held September 24-26, 2017 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
ABOUT THE CANADIAN FERRY ASSOCIATION (PREVIOUSLY CFOA)
The Canadian Ferry Association is the national voice of the ferry industry in Canada. With over 54 million passengers, 19 million vehicles and billions of dollars of goods transported annually, the ferry sector is a crucial part of Canada's infrastructure.
For more information or to schedule an interview:
Alyson Queen
Director, Communications
aqueen@canadianferry.ca
613-581-0531
Ottawa, Ontario – October 18, 2016 – The Canadian Ferry Association (CFA) congratulates Mike Corrigan after Interferry, the association representing the interests of the ferry sector on the global stage, announced that he would take over as Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2017.
“The Canadian Ferry Association is very pleased to congratulate Mike Corrigan on this appointment and we are thrilled that a Canadian with his experience and knowledge will be leading international efforts for the ferry sector,” said Canadian Ferry Association CEO, Serge Buy. “We look forward to working with Mike in this new capacity, starting next spring, and thank him for his leadership in advancing the ferry sector here in Canada.”
Mr. Corrigan is currently the President and CEO of BC Ferries, one of the world’s largest ferry operators. He has held a number of leadership positions with the BC-based company over the past 13 years. He has also been a Director on the Board of Interferry for the past six years, recently acting as Treasurer of the organization. He has also played an important role in the growth of the Canadian Ferry Association over the past number of years, including as a Board member.
The announcement was made during Interferry’s annual general meeting, at its 41st annual conference in Manila, Philippines. Representatives from the Canadian Ferry Association are in attendance.
ABOUT THE CANADIAN FERRY ASSOCIATION
The Canadian Ferry Association (previously the Canadian Ferry Operators Association) is the national voice of the ferry industry in Canada. With over 55 million passengers, 19 million vehicles and billions of dollars of goods transported annually, the ferry sector is a crucial part of Canada's infrastructure.
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For more information:
Alyson Queen
Director, Communications
aqueen@cfoa.ca
613-581-0531
[:en]Ferries applaud changes in infrastructure program
Ferry operators now eligible for New Building Canada funding
May 16, 2016, Ottawa, Ontario
Ferry operators across Canada applaud new changes made by the federal government that will allow infrastructure projects related to ferries to be eligible for funding under the New Building Canada Fund.
The original eligibility criteria for the fund, established in 2014, excluded most projects related to ferries. Very few operators have been able to apply for crucial infrastructure projects and this, in turn, has penalized the close to 55 million passengers, 32,000 employees and countless communities served by operators.
The Canadian Ferry Association (CFA) and provincial governments have worked together urging Transport Minister Marc Garneau and Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi to revise the criteria to include ferries and ferry operators.
Following constructive discussions at a meeting of federal and provincial ministers of transport in January 2016, Minister Sohi recently advised, in a letter (sent late April), his provincial counterparts that ferries would indeed be eligible to apply for and access the New Building Canada Fund.
In a note to Canadian ferry operators announcing the changes, Minister Sohi provided further detail and confirmed that the New Building Canada Fund will now cover projects such as:
"Minister Sohi and the new government understand the importance of ferries for Canadians. Access to the New Building Canada Fund will enable operators to make crucial investments that will benefit passengers and the communities served by ferries. Furthermore, the investments will help operators ensure safety on their vessels while also making sustainable improvements to their environmental efficiency ," said Serge Buy, CFA's Chief Executive Officer.
The criteria changes are effective immediately and CFA expects that a number of modernization projects will now be able to move forward. With operators located from coast to coast to coast, this will help to create employment throughout the country, benefit businesses that supply goods and services to ferry operators and boost the communities served by ferries.
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For more information:
Serge Buy, CEO
613-720-1777 / sbuy@cfoa.ca[:fr]
Lundi, 16 mai 2016 | 0 commentaires
Les services de traversiers approuvent les modifications au programme d'infrastructures
Les opérateurs de traversiers désormais admissibles au programme Nouveau Fonds Chantiers Canada
16 mai 2016, Ottawa (Ontario)
Les opérateurs de traversiers à l'échelle du Canada approuvent les changements apportés par le gouvernement fédéral, lesquels permettront aux projets d'infrastructures liés aux services de traversiers d'être admissibles à du financement dans le cadre du Nouveau Fonds Chantiers Canada.
À l'origine, les critères d'admissibilité au programme de financement, établi en 2014, excluaient la plupart des projets liés aux traversiers. Très peu d'opérateurs ont pu présenter des projets essentiels d'infrastructures et, par conséquent, près de 55 millions de passagers, 32 000 employés et d'innombrables collectivités desservies par ces opérateurs ont été pénalisés.
L'Association canadienne des traversiers (ACT) et les gouvernements provinciaux ont collaboré pour plaider auprès du ministre des Transports, Marc Garneau, et du ministre de l'Infrastructure, Amarjeet Sohi, afin de revoir les critères pour inclure les traversiers et leurs opérateurs.
À la suite de discussions constructives lors d'une rencontre des ministres fédéral et provinciaux des transports en janvier 2016, le ministre Sohi a récemment avisé par écrit (à la fin d'avril) ses homologues provinciaux que les traversiers pourraient effectivement présenter des demandes et obtenir du financement dans le cadre du Nouveau Fonds Chantiers Canada.
Dans une lettre aux opérateurs canadiens de traversiers, dans laquelle il annonce les changements, le ministre Sohi a fourni des détails supplémentaires et a confirmé que le Nouveau Fonds Chantiers Canada traitera désormais des projets comme :
« Le ministre Sohi et le nouveau gouvernement comprennent l'importance des traversiers pour les Canadiens. L'accès au Nouveau Fonds Chantiers Canada permettra aux opérateurs de réaliser des investissements importants dont pourront tirer profit les passagers et les collectivités desservies par les traversiers. De plus, ces investissements permettront aux opérateurs d'assurer la sécurité sur leurs bateaux tout en apportant des améliorations durables à leur efficacité environnementale », a affirmé Serge Buy, directeur général, Association canadienne des traversiers.
La modification des critères est en vigueur immédiatement et l'ACT s'attend à ce qu'un certain nombre de projets de modernisation soient bientôt mis de l'avant. Puisque l'on retrouve des opérateurs d'un océan à l'autre, cela entraînera la création d'emplois partout au pays en plus de profiter aux entreprises qui fournissent des biens et des services aux opérateurs de traversiers et de rehausser les collectivités que desservent les traversiers.
Pour de plus amples renseignements :
Serge Buy, chef de la direction
613 720-1777 / sbuy@cfoa.ca
[:]
Measures Undertaken Will Help Fare Payers and Tax Payers
March 22, 2016 – Ottawa, ON
With the release of today’s federal budget, Canada’s ferry sector is praising the actions taken by the government to improve fleet renewal across Canada. This includes waiving the tariff on the importation of vessels of all sizes and making strategic investments in locations throughout the country.
“Today’s budget will have a real impact on passengers throughout the country,” said Serge Buy, CEO of the Canadian Ferry Association CFA). “Through various measures, the federal government is helping the 55 million passengers that use ferries every year.”
The tariff, initially created to protect the shipbuilding sector was no longer relevant as shipyards were at (or near) full capacity due to the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy and all trade agreements signed by Canada saw the elimination of the tariff in the short to mid-term.
Eliminating the tariff allows operators to make strategic investments in capital projects and fleet renewal. The capital projects will, in turn, create jobs in Canada. Furthermore, the elimination of the tariff will allow operators not have to make decisions that may mean additional costs to fare payers.
“Ultimately, this means that operators will be able to renew their fleets with vessels that are more efficient, safer and better for the environment as well as make strategic investments in infrastructure,” added Mr. Buy.
Provincial governments have also provided leadership on this with Minister Todd Stone in British Columbia and Minister Al Hawkins from Newfoundland and Labrador playing a central role in supporting CFA’s position.
Other initiatives undertaken in Budget 2016 include:
About CFA
The Canadian Ferry Association is the national voice of ferries in Canada. Our members operate with the highest professional and operational standards and promote the safe operation of ferry services in Canada.
Visit www.cfoa.ca for more information. Follow us on Twitter @cdnferry.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Kristin Baldwin, Director of Communications
613-686-3838
kbaldwin@cfoa.ca
[:en]VANCOUVER, BC – With the federal election under way, ferry operators look for the next government to address two important priorities that will benefit fare payers and tax payers throughout the country.
The Canadian Ferry Association CFA) has identified two issues being of key importance for the sector. The first is about tariffs for the import of passenger vessels under 129 metres in length. The second is related to the ability for ferry operators to access infrastructure funding.
Tariffs on the import of passenger vessels under 129 metres were maintained despite being lifted by the late Finance Minister, the Honourable Jim Flaherty, on most other types of vessels in 2010. The initial reason to maintain these tariffs was to protect the Canadian shipbuilding industry. However, most shipyards are now unable to respond to ferry operators' needs as they concentrate on the federal government National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy.
"Keeping the tariffs in place limits competition, innovation and ends up driving costs for Canadian fare payers and tax payers," said Serge Buy, CFA's CEO. While CFA understands that trade agreements will, in the future, remove tariffs, immediate action is needed as the present regime penalizes operators and has a negative impact on travellers.
Further to this, any existing and new infrastructure funding mechanism should respect the regional diversity in this country and allow provincial governments to develop their own eligibility criteria. This would avoid any further limitation on the ability for the ferry sector to access funding.
"Crucial infrastructure projects throughout the country are unable to presently qualify under the Building Canada Plan. This needs to change in the future," stated Mr. Buy.
Over 55 million passengers and 19 million vehicles travelled on ferries in 2013.[:fr]VANCOUVER, BC – With the federal election under way, ferry operators look for the next government to address two important priorities that will benefit fare payers and tax payers throughout the country.
The Canadian Ferry Association CFA) has identified two issues being of key importance for the sector. The first is about tariffs for the import of passenger vessels under 129 metres in length. The second is related to the ability for ferry operators to access infrastructure funding.
Tariffs on the import of passenger vessels under 129 metres were maintained despite being lifted by the late Finance Minister, the Honourable Jim Flaherty, on most other types of vessels in 2010. The initial reason to maintain these tariffs was to protect the Canadian shipbuilding industry. However, most shipyards are now unable to respond to ferry operators' needs as they concentrate on the federal government National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy.
"Keeping the tariffs in place limits competition, innovation and ends up driving costs for Canadian fare payers and tax payers," said Serge Buy, CFA's CEO. While CFA understands that trade agreements will, in the future, remove tariffs, immediate action is needed as the present regime penalizes operators and has a negative impact on travellers.
Further to this, any existing and new infrastructure funding mechanism should respect the regional diversity in this country and allow provincial governments to develop their own eligibility criteria. This would avoid any further limitation on the ability for the ferry sector to access funding.
"Crucial infrastructure projects throughout the country are unable to presently qualify under the Building Canada Plan. This needs to change in the future," stated Mr. Buy.
Over 55 million passengers and 19 million vehicles travelled on ferries in 2013. [:]
Canada’s Ferries Leading the Way: Ferry Operators Benefiting Local Communities
June 8, 2015 – The actions by the Bay Ferries’ Princess of Acadia yesterday, remind us of the important role our ferries play in communities across Canada. According to reports, yesterday, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Halifax dispatched the Princess of Acadia to rescue an injured crewmember from a fishing boat. The individual was treated by medical professionals on-board before being transferred to an ambulance in Saint John.
“The crew on-board Canada’s ferries are trained to respond to emergencies just like these. We are glad to hear that the Princess of Acadia was able to rescue this individual and get them the care they needed,” said Serge Buy, CEO of the Canadian Ferry Association CFA). “This is another example of how ferries are providing essential services to communities across Canada.”
Ferry operators continue to deliver benefits to their local communities, including:
With over 55 million passengers, 19 million vehicles and billions of dollars of goods transported annually, the ferry sector is a crucial part of Canada’s infrastructure. Collectively, CFA members employ nearly 9,000 crew/staff that are highly trained to respond to emergencies.
About CFA
The Canadian Ferry Association is the national voice of ferries in Canada. Our members operate with the highest professional and operational standards and promote the safe operation of ferry services in Canada.
Visit www.cfoa.ca for more information. Follow us on Twitter @cdnferry.
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For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Kristin Baldwin, Director of Communications
613-686-3838
kbaldwin@cfoa.ca
June 3, 2015 – As we celebrate Canadian Environment Week, Canada’s ferry operators are reminding Canadians that our sector is doing its part for a greener tomorrow.
Through a short video posted online, the Canadian Ferry Association CFA) is highlighting the steps our members are taking to make sure their vessels are as environmentally friendly as possible. These efforts include:
• Ordering 8 new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) vessels, and retrofitting 2 existing ferries with LNG.
• Constructing a new, green, passenger terminal in North Sydney for Marine Atlantic.
• Operating North America’s first-ever hybrid ferry by Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ).
With over 55 million passengers, 19 million vehicles and billions of dollars of goods transported annually, the ferry sector is a crucial part of Canada’s infrastructure.
About CFA
The Canadian Ferry Association is the national voice of ferries in Canada. Our members operate with the highest professional and operational standards and promote the safe operation of ferry services in Canada.
Visit www.cfoa.ca for more information. Follow us on Twitter @cdnferry.
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For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Kristin Baldwin, Director of Communications
613-686-3838
kbaldwin@cfoa.ca