Churchill calls for long-term ferry deal between Yarmouth and U.S.

Yarmouth’s MLA and opposition leader says support for the ‘CAT’ ferry is good news.

The province announced the Bay Ferries vessel will continue sailing for the next two years.

Zach Churchill says the latest progress report shows how important the ferry is to Nova Scotians.

“This report says the same thing that previous reports have said, that all of us who have been fighting for this service for over a decade have been saying: this ferry benefits the entire province economically and there’s a major return with the taxpayers money that’s invested in it,” said Churchill.

Churchill adds he’s concerned that it only amounts to a one-year extension.

He says a 10-year deal is needed to give stability to businesses and tourism operators.

“Bus tours are booked three years out. Businesses can’t get financing from banks without the security of a long-term contract. This issue isn’t done, Tim Houston can still play politics with this for the next year.”

Public Works Minister Kim Masland said they’re committed to a long-term solution once the contract runs out.