Nova Scotia orders economic impact study of subsidized ferry to Maine
Nova Scotia's heavily subsidized ferry that operates between Yarmouth, N.S., and Bar Harbor, Maine, will be the subject of an economic impact study, the premier said Tuesday.
Tim Houston told reporters that taxpayers who covered the ferry's $17-million annual subsidy would have liked more passengers to have used the service during the recently concluded sailing season.
Bay Ferries said on Monday the ferry transported slightly more than 36,000 passengers and nearly 15,000 vehicles between May 19 and Oct. 10.
"I think Nova Scotians would like to see those numbers a lot higher for sure," Houston said.
The premier said the company's lease for the ferry has been extended for another year, adding that service is expected to resume in 2023. But Houston said it's time to determine whether Nova Scotians received good value for the 2022 subsidy, which amounted to roughly $472 per passenger.
"If it's not we will come up with something else, but we will not leave anyone behind," he said, referring to the economic development of the region.
Public Works Minister Kim Masland said a request for proposal for a "broad overview" of the economic impact of the ferry will be issued this fall. The methodology for the study still needs to be determined, Masland said.
"There's never been an impact study done, and it's very important to Nova Scotians," she said.
Liberal Leader Zach Churchill, who represents the Yarmouth riding, said he supports the study but wants it to be independent and objective. "We want to push for the tourism industry to play a critical role in that analysis."
The high-speed ferry service resumed last spring following a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19 and the construction of a terminal in Bar Harbor. The previous Liberal government had set a target of 60,000 passengers per season when the service was established in 2016.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 18, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nanos survey says most Canadians support expansion of Old Age Security benefits, but economic experts call it 'terrible policy'
Amid new polling indicating most Canadians support boosting Old Age Security benefits by 10 per cent for seniors aged 65 to 74, a former Liberal finance minister and former Bank of Canada governor are warning the government not to pursue the policy change.
Tax rebate: Eligible Canadians to receive GST/HST credit payment on Friday
Canadians who are eligible for a GST/HST tax credit can expect their final payment of the year on Friday.
Garth Brooks accused of rape in lawsuit from hair-and-makeup artist
A woman who says she worked as a hair-and-makeup stylist for Garth Brooks alleged in a lawsuit filed Thursday that he raped her in a Los Angeles hotel in 2019.
Middle East latest: An Israeli airstrike cuts a major highway linking Lebanon with Syria
An Israeli airstrike has cut off a main highway linking Lebanon with Syria, leaving two huge craters on either side of the road.
REVIEW 'Joker: Folie a Deux': A study in fantasy, obsession and the ordinariness of evil
CTV's film critic Richard Crouse says 'Joker: Foli a Deux' is a study in fantasy, the ordinariness of evil, and obsession.
W5 Investigates The privilege of the passport: The difference between an expat and a migrant
In this fifth instalment of her series documenting migrants and their arduous journeys, Avery Haines reunites with a family CTV W5 first met while they were making the dangerous crossing through the Darian Gap six months ago.
Parliament 'ground to a halt' over Conservative allegations of Liberal corruption
Government business has been put on indefinite pause in the House of Commons and the Conservatives say it will stay that way until the Liberals hand over documents related to misspent government dollars.
'You were innocent': Judge acquits Manitoba man 50 years after murder conviction
A Manitoba man convicted of murder 50 years ago has been acquitted. Clarence Woodhouse was found guilty in 1974 of fatally beating and stabbing a restaurant worker in downtown Winnipeg.
Health official confirms death of Ontario child following rabies diagnosis
An Ontario child has died after coming in contact with a rabid bat, a health official confirmed on Wednesday.