Other Ferries Part of Highway System

LOCAL NEWS



Last updated at 6:14 PM on 20/02/10


Transport Minister John Baird, left, speaks with veterans Cecil MacLeod, middle, past president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 19 in North Sydney and branch president Carl Wall at the Marine Atlantic terminal building in North Sydney, Saturday. Baird was in town to tour the Marine Atlantic facilities and announce the continuation of the Canadian Forces Appreciation Fare for 2010. T.J. Colello - Cape Breton Post

Marine Atlantic funding to be considered for budget: Baird

The Cape Breton Post

NORTH SYDNEY — Transport Minister John Baird said further infrastructure funding for Marine Atlantic will be discussed with his fellow cabinet ministers heading into the March 4 budget.

“There’s no doubt that the age of the fleet and the cost for keeping it in operation is significant, so I did a lot of listening and I’ll be reflecting on that with my colleagues in the weeks and months ahead,” said the Conservative MP for Ottawa West-Nepean. “Obviously, this is not only important for the region, it’s really part of the national highway system, it’s part of the Trans-Canada Highway. It’s important for both Nova Scotia and particularly for Newfoundland, so I don’t need to be convinced of its importance.

“We have to measure this with the other demands on our budget. That’s why it’s important for me to come first hand to see the need, see the story face to face.”

Baird was in North Sydney Saturday for a tour of the Marine Atlantic facilities, meet with company representatives and to announce the continuation of the Canadian Forces Appreciation Fare for this year. The fare gives travel discounts to current and former members of the military and their families, which was first launched last year.