CARIBOU, NS, June 21, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Central Nova, and the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament for Egmont, today announced an investment totaling close to $13 million in the Wood Islands, P.E.I. - Caribou, N.S. ferry service.

"Our government understands the importance of ferry services to the local communities throughout Atlantic Canada," said Minister MacKay. "Ferries support trade and tourism and connect people and business throughout the region and today's investment will ensure that residents and visitors will continue to benefit from the safe and reliable operation of this ferry service."

"Canada needs safe and efficient transportation in all regions and this service helps us to support growth and create jobs and prosperity, both here and across Canada," said Minister Shea. "Since 2006, our government has made significant investments in this ferry service and we remain committed to working with the provinces and local communities to develop a long-term approach for these services."

The main engines on the MV Holiday Island will be replaced to improve efficiency of the vessel and to reduce the risk of unexpected mechanical failures. As well, improvements are being made to shore-based infrastructure including the rehabilitation of the East and West Breakwater and berths for the MV Confederation and the MV Holiday Island in Wood Islands, P.E.I., and the rehabilitation of both ferry berths in Caribou, N.S.

The Government of Canada supports three inter-provincial ferry services in Eastern Canada:

In support of these ferry services, the Government of Canada owns four vessels and six ferry terminals, which are leased to private operators. Since 2006, the Government of Canada has invested approximately $200 million in operating and capital funding for these ferry services.

Canada's Economic Action Plan provides new opportunities for growth, job creation and long-term prosperity. Thanks to the Government of Canada's leadership and our strong economic and financial fundamentals, the Canadian economy has recovered from the global recession better than most other industrialized countries. Canada has been a leader among G-7 countries throughout the recovery with more than one million net new jobs created since July 2009.

For more information about the projects, please see the attached backgrounder.

Backgrounder

The Government of Canada is investing close to $13 million for improvements to the Wood Islands, P.E.I. - Caribou, N.S. ferry service.

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Government of Canada invests in Wood Islands - Caribou ferry service