Not dragging feet on ferry--MacDonald

In a phone interview last week, Premier Rodney MacDonald said his government has worked on the matter for more than a year, trying to find a way to address the service's current and long-term needs.

An official with the province's Department of Economic Development said last week that a short-term solution would soon be announced, but MacDonald said more work needs to be done. "We want as a government to see the long-term sustainability issue and transportation issues addressed not only in Digby but in the whole southwest Nova so that in a year's time …or in two year's time…we're not dealing with the same situation."

Bay Ferries announced two years ago that it planned to end its operation of the ferry service, blaming drops in traffic, mounting fuel prices and an aging ferry.

Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the federal government cooperated on an aid package, but that assistance ends Jan. 31, 2009.

The recent announcement of short-term help has brought little solace to commercial businesses that are already making alternate plans for moving cargo in anticipation of a possible shutdown of the service.

MacDonald said he wants to get to the point where companies and travelers can rely on the ferry without worrying about its future.

The premier said he was reluctant to talk too much about his government's plans for the service until an announcement is made. "The minister (of economic development) will be coming up with something soon following a decision of cabinet."

MacDonald said the announcement would speak to what needs to happen in the short term as well as the long term. "The challenge that we have with this—and I think everybody has—is there is no simple answer to this because of the price of fuel."

The premier said the federal government and the government of New Brunswick must each be willing to once again commit to the service, this time for the long term, in order to ensure its sustainability.

MacDonald said his government been working with Bay Ferries, “taking a look at everything from what the go-forward might be, what the partnerships might be, what the condition of the ship would be. "The federal government has to play a strong role in this. This shouldn't simply fall on Nova Scotia's shoulders (and) New Brunswick should (help) as well."