Minister Garneau’s appearance before the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (TRAN) on Main Estimates 2020-21 and Supplementary Estimates (B), 2020-21 held on November 5, 2020

56. MARINE ATLANTIC INC. (MAI)

MARINE ATLANTIC INC. (MAI)

Requesting the re-profile of $2,000,568 for the 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates B

Marine Atlantic Inc. is seeking the re-profiling of $ 2,000,568 of capital funding.

Key Messages:

  • This funding is from the corporation’s base appropriation and Budget 2017 decisions.
  • Marine Atlantic provides the constitutionally mandated ferry service between the Island of Newfoundland and Canada’s mainland.
  • Marine Atlantic will advance approved capital projects.
  • Canadians will benefit from a safe, effective and efficient ferry service to and from Newfoundland.

If pressed:

  • The Government of Canada recognizes that the ferry service linking Newfoundland to the mainland is a critical economic and social link.

Background

  • Marine Atlantic Inc. (MAI) is a non-agent Crown corporation incorporated under the Canada Business Corporation Act.  MAI does not have its own enabling legislation.
     
  • MAI is responsible for operating the ferry service between the Island of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.  Its vessels carry people, vehicles, and commercial units that deliver goods and products to and from the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL).  MAI fulfills Canada’s constitutional obligation to provide a year-round ferry service between North Sydney, Nova Scotia (NS) and Port aux Basques, NL.  It also provides a seasonal service between North Sydney and Argentia, NL.
  • MAI owns three ferry terminals and operates a fleet of four ice-class RoPax vessels, which have the ability to accommodate both commercial freight and travellers at the same time. 
  • With the funding, MAI will continue the development of capital projects included in its approved 2019-2020 to 2023-2024 Corporate Plan such as fuel automation from storage tanks and some needed upgrades at the current Port aux Basques building.