Canada’s Ferries Leading the Way: Ferry Operators Benefiting Local Communities

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:

• Increasing Tourism: Coastal Transport connects passenger with prime tourist destinations such as Grand Manan and White Head Island.  As the 2015 tourism season gets underway, these ferries are a crucial lifeline for these local communities.

• Investing in Community: Marine Atlantic’s new terminal in North Sydney, Nova Scotia is more than just a cutting edge piece of architecture, it also provides a solid foundation for future investment in the community.  The Chairman of the North Sydney Business Improvement and Development Association, Dan Bunbury agrees, calling the opening of the terminal “Great news for North Sydney and the northside in general.”

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