Transport Canada: Launch of naming process for replacement vessel for Saint John-Digby ferry service

January 21, 2015 – Ottawa – Transport Canada

Rodney Weston, Member of Parliament for Saint John, and Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, today launched the process to choose a name for the replacement vessel for the MV Princess of Acadia, which serves the Saint John, New Brunswick to Digby, Nova Scotia ferry route.

The Government of Canada invites the public to participate in the naming process. Submission forms are available on the current vessel, the MV Princess of Acadia, at both ferry terminals in Saint John and Digby, as well as online at www.ferries.ca/naming.

The top name suggestions that meet the eligibility criteria and are available from the Canadian Register of Vessels will be presented to the Minister of Transport for the final selection of a name. The chosen name will be announced prior to the introduction of the vessel into service in 2015.

Quick Facts and guidelines for the naming process

• The vessel name should promote Canadian culture, history, and geography by honouring people and places of importance to Canadians;
• The name should have a regional significance;
• The name should be brief and easily understood by radiotelephone and other means of communication;
• Complicated or confusing spelling and pronunciation should be avoided;
• Professional titles (Doctor), honorific (Right Honourable) and family abbreviations (Jr., III) and incomplete names should generally be avoided;
• A vessel name will only be considered for persons posthumously;
• No prize, award or recognition will be given;
• Submissions are open only to Canadian residents;
• You can enter as often as you wish;
• Submissions will be accepted until February 20, 2015; and
• No purchase is necessary to submit a suggested name.

Quotes

"The Harper Government knows this ferry service is a vital component of life and commerce in this region. We welcome suggestions from people across the country to help place a name on this vessel that reflects the proud heritage of the Maritimes."
Rodney Weston
Member of Parliament for Saint John

"All Canadians are encouraged to suggest a name of distinction for our new ferry. This ferry service has connected communities and visitors in Eastern Canada for many years and will continue to do so when this new vessel is introduced into service."
Greg Kerr
Member of Parliament for West Nova