OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 02/13/14 -- Today the Canadian Ferry Operators Association (CFOA) welcomed Prime Minister Harper's announcement of the framework for the New Building Canada Plan (NBCP). Details were also released on the New Building Canada Fund (NBCF), the $14 billion component of the NBCP that will support infrastructure projects of national, regional and local significance that promote job creation and economic growth.
"The Harper government has clearly demonstrated its commitment to developing and renewing Canada's transportation infrastructure through this $53 billion investment," said Serge Buy, CEO of CFOA. "The eligibility of Canada's ferry infrastructure under the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component of the NBCF will help support our ferry operators as they continue to provide vital economic connections for Canadians across the country."
Ferries form an essential part of Canada's transportation infrastructure, and ferry operators make key contributions in driving Canada's economy. Last year, CFOA ferry operators:
-- Connected people and markets across the country by transporting nearly
40.7 million passengers and over 14.8 million vehicles;
-- Contributed to Canada's economic growth by employing more than 8,400
Canadians, by helping generate more than 22,600 jobs and by maintaining
operating budgets of over $1 billion;
-- Provided essential transportation services and vital links to Canada's
remote communities by operating nearly 180 ferries on over 120 routes;
-- Continued to provide a safe and environmentally friendly means of
transportation by investing in cleaner technologies and more efficient
vessels, and by contributing to a noteworthy industry safety record.
About CFOA
The Canadian Ferry Operators Association is the national voice of ferries in Canada. Our members operate with the highest professional and operational standards and promote the safe operation of ferry services in Canada.
Visit www.cfoa.ca for more information. Follow us on Twitter @cdnferry.
Contacts:
Canadian Ferry Operators Association
Daniel Kosick
Director of Communications
(613) 686-3838
dkosick@cfoa.ca
www.cfoa.ca
