News Release Archive
PREMIER--PREMIER MEETS WITH DOUG YOUNG ------------------------------------------------------------ Premier John Savage met with federal Transport Minister Doug Young in Ottawa this morning to outline a plan which, if acceptable to the federal government, could lead to a resumption of year-round ferry service between Yarmouth and Bar Harbour, Maine. It's the third time the premier has met with Mr. Young to discuss the ferry issue. The premier said the plan was worked out between a proposed private operator and the South West Shore Development Authority, with the assistance of the Nova Scotia government. The premier said the proposal includes both a short and long-term solution to the problem of maintaining year-round ferry service between Nova Scotia and the US. "Mr. Young said he is prepared to examine closely anything that would provide a long-term solution to the transportation problem. Mr. Young said he will examine the plan presented to him this morning and reply as soon as possible." Premier Savage said he is not able to release details of the plan at this time. "I am hopeful the federal government will give the proposal serious consideration. Finding a long-term solution is in the economic interest of all levels of government." Premier Savage first met with Mr. Young last fall when Marine Atlantic, a federal crown corporation, announced it was discontinuing winter ferry service out of Yarmouth. At that time the premier was able to convince Mr. Young to keep the ferry service operating an additional three months while an impact study was prepared. Last month the premier met with Mr. Young at the Halifax International Airport to convince Ottawa that there needs to be a long-term solution to the ferry problem. Following his meeting with Mr. Young this morning, Premier Savage left on the Team Canada trade mission to India, Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. He returns to Nova Scotia Jan. 20. -30- Contact: David Harrigan 902-424-6600 trp Jan. 08, 1996