Mon., 2:00 PM 6:00 PM
The Tories have protested the N-D-P's decision to pull the plug on the service in December.
Sunday, February 7th 2010
Bay Ferries Limited had sought up to 9 million dollar to cover losses in 2010.Former Tory cabinet minister Chris d'Entremont says the high-speed passenger ferry may not be the right boat for the service, but the link must be preserved.
During the party's annual meeting this weekend in Halifax, d'Entremont encouraged delegates to get the provincial government to ``change its tune.''
About 250 tourist operators, business owners and ferry employees rallied in Halifax on Thursday in support of the ferry.
Economic and Rural Development Minister Percy Paris met with a small group.
He said the high-speed ferry was not a good business venture and the government wouldn't consider reversing its position. This morning on the CJLS Weekender open line program Yarmouth Mayor Phil Mooney again pleaded with the province to reconsider its decision but also called on the federal government to step in and save ferry service. Mooney says the town is already feeling the effects of the loss of the ferry. He said the Rodd Grand Hotel appealed its assessment because of a loss of room nights. Mooney said that translates into a loss of tax revenue for the town of 100 thousand dollars. He warned that is "just the beginning." One caller from Texas called the Dexter government's decision not to support the Cat ferry "the most stupid decision a government could make." Another caller, an employee of Mackenzie Security, broke down in tears as he pleaded with the province to reconsider. The CJLS Weekender will air another open line program next Sunday morning (Feb 14) to discuss the ferry issue.
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