Eastern P.E.I. residents voice frustration, concern over state of ferry service
CBC
Residents of eastern P.E.I. had a chance to voice their frustrations over the beleaguered Northumberland Ferries service at a public meeting Thursday in Montague, but left with more questions than answers.
There has been no ferry service between Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia since late September, and it could be weeks before the service starts up again — if it does at all.
For some, the reality of the service's frequent cancellations is bleak.
Dan Dupont works in forestry, and said he and his family are leaving the province for work because so much of his product is shipped across on the ferry.
"It's emotional, because I have to leave my family. I can't work here anymore. Nov. 1, I'm going to Newfoundland," he said.
"I can't look after a family of five and stay here and cut wood for a living."
The meeting was organized by the Eastern P.E.I. Chamber of Commerce and was attended by officials from Transport Canada and Northumberland Ferries Ltd.
The seasonal ferry service across the Northumberland Strait was shut down in late September following engine problems with MV Saaremaa, which is being leased from Quebec's ferry service for a third season.
That news came on the heels of MV Confederation colliding with the wharf on Sept. 15, leaving a hole in the bow visor and making the passenger and vehicle ferry inoperable.
Northumberland Ferries has said the earliest Saaremaa could be back in service would be Oct. 19.
But during Thursday's meeting, company general manager Jeff Joyce said it's possible the vessel may not be ready before it's scheduled return to Quebec on Oct. 26.
In fact, he said there's no guarantee either the Saaremaa or the Confederation will be back in service before the service ends for the season on Dec. 20.
"This is visceral being here and feeling this. It is important for us to stay in touch with this stuff," Joyce said at the meeting.
"I want to make sure I'm generating trust in you by being transparent as I can be about what the situation is and what our plans are to fix it."
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