“The provincial government, including my office, has been in contact with Transport Canada over the last two months reiterating the need for two fully operational ferries. The lack of action and solutions on the part of Transport Canada is disappointing and unacceptable,” said Premier Wade MacLauchlan. "Immediately after being informed of the decreased service on June 13, the province reached out to the federal government about securing a ferry from within the region.”

Premier MacLauchlan has had numerous discussions with Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dwight Ball, as recently as during the Council of the Federation meeting in Whitehorse, to inquire about use of a private sector ferry and has directed officials to follow up with Transport Canada.

As ferry services fall under federal jurisdiction, the Premier, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism Heath MacDonald, and senior officials from the province are in contact with Federal Minister of Transport Marc Garneau, the Hon. Lawrence MacAulay, MP for Cardigan, and Transport Canada officials to express Prince Edward Island’s concerns.

The Province has also requested answers from Northerumberland Ferries Ltd as to why any maintenance issues weren’t identified prior to the beginning of peak tourism season and what plans have been developed to prevent any future disruptions.

The ferry is a critical transport and economic link between the Island and the mainland, transporting goods to markets and is an important tourism gateway to the province.