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.
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For more information:
Alyson Queen
Director, Communications
Association canadienne des traversiers