| Name of transfer payment program | Ferry Services Contribution Program |
|---|---|
| Start date | 1941 |
| End date | March 31, 2016 Footnote 1 |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2010–11 |
| Strategic Outcome | An efficient transportation system |
| Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture |
Program 1.3: Transportation Infrastructure Sub-program 1.3.2: Marine Infrastructure Sub-Sub-program 1.3.2.3: Ferry Services Stewardship and Support |
| Description | The Ferry Services Contribution Program provides financial assistance to maintain three interprovincial ferry services in Atlantic Canada and Eastern Quebec. More specifically, the contributions are for the service across the Northumberland Strait between Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island, and Caribou, Nova Scotia, operated by Northumberland Ferries Ltd.; the service between Cap-aux-Meules, Îles de la Madeleine, Quebec, and Souris, Prince Edward Island, operated by CTMA Traversier Ltée; and the service between Saint John, New Brunswick, and Digby, Nova Scotia, operated by Bay Ferries Ltd. |
| Results achieved |
Certain regional and remote Atlantic Canada and Eastern Quebec communities continue to have access to national transportation options. Canadians in Atlantic Canada and Eastern Quebec benefited from reliable ferry services with service providers meeting or exceeding the minimum level of service established for the ferry services. Ferry services were operated in a safe and efficient manner. |
| Comments on variances | $17.9 million was received through Supplementary Estimates to fund the ferry services. Approximately $2 million of the total funding was earmarked for contingencies and was not utilized. |
| Audits completed or planned | No audit was completed during the reporting period. |
| Evaluations completed or planned | No evaluation was completed during the reporting period. |
| Engagement of applicants and recipients | Activities included discussing and providing clear template-based contribution agreements, leases and charter party agreements; annually reviewing and negotiating the performance objectives and budget required to deliver the ferry services as per the terms of the agreements; informing of service standards and reporting requirements based on the risk profile of each recipient; maintaining an ongoing dialogue to assess change and progress through monthly conference calls with each recipient; following up as required on project activities, funding requirements and reporting requirements; and notifying of the requirement to audit and informing of the audit findings. |
| Type of Transfer Payment | 2012–13 Actual spending | 2013–14 Actual spending | 2014–15 Planned spending | 2014–15 Total authorities available for use | 2014–15 Actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2014–15 planned minus 2014–15 actual) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total contributions | 32,806,343 | 28,349,829 | 16,720,000 | 34,584,453 | 32,616,292 | (15,896,292) |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 32,806,343 | 28,349,829 | 16,720,000 | 34,584,453 | 32,616,292 | (15,896,292) |