Canadian Taxpayers Federation says Yarmouth-Portland ferry should be shut down

By CityNews Halifax Staff

A member of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation said the provincial government should walk away from the Nova Scotia to Maine ferry before losing any more money. 

The ferry's existence is in doubt, as a dispute continues between the U.S. customs agency and the city of Portland.

Portland has been told its terminal is not up to par and requires up to $7 million worth of upgrades to remain operational. 

Reports say that's not money Portland is interested in spending.

CTF's Kevin Lacey told NEWS 95.7's The Rick Howe Show he's concerned Nova Scotia will use taxpayer money to help fix Portland's problem. 

“The government has been very clear from the very beginning they would do 'no matter what' to keep the service running, and we might be in one of those 'no matter what' situations,” he said.

The province has already given $32 million in subsidies since bringing the ferry service back two years ago.

“The best interest of Nova Scotians now is to shut this down, how much further do you go before you say, 'enough is enough,'” said Lacey.

“We certainly can't let the ferry go, that's not even a question” says Yarmouth mayor Pam Mood

One of the ferry's fiercest defenders is the mayor of Yarmouth.

Pam Mood said the province should be doing everything they can to keep it going.

“It's been a tremendous boost to tourism in Nova Scotia,” she said. “We're seeing benefits throughout the province.”

Mood points to an increase in ticket sales this year as proof the ferry is an important service. 

The number of passengers was up almost 17 per cent, from 35,551 in 2016 to 41,462 in 2017, despite a number of cancelled crossings due to engine issues.

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