Ferry Services Contribution Program

General information

Name of transfer payment program

Ferry Services Contribution Program

Start date

1941

End date

March 31, 2016Footnote 1

Type of transfer payment

Contribution

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2015–16

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 inter-provincial 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.

Expected results

The contribution is expected to have the following results:

  • Ferry services in Atlantic Canada and Eastern Quebec will continue to be operational;
  • Certain remote communities will have access to regional transportation options; and,
  • Safe, efficient and reliable ferry services between Cap-aux-Meules, Îles de la Madeleine and Souris, Prince Edward Island; Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island and Caribou, Nova Scotia; and Saint John, New Brunswick and Digby, Nova Scotia.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation

2014–15

Decision following the results of last evaluation

Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation

2016–17

General targeted recipient groups

Industry-related (This program is developed for three ferry services operated by the following recipients: CTMA Traversier Ltée, Northumberland Ferries Ltd. and Bay Ferries Ltd. All three recipients are private companies.)

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

Discuss and provide clear template-based contribution agreements, leases and charter party agreements; annually review and negotiate the performance objectives and budget required to deliver the ferry services as per the terms of the agreements; inform of service standards and reporting requirements based on the risk profile of each recipient; maintain an ongoing dialogue to assess change and progress through monthly conference calls with each recipient; follow-up as required on project activities, funding requirements and reporting requirements; and notify of the requirement to audit and inform of the audit findings.

Planning Information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment Forecast spending 2015–16 Planned spending
2016–17 2017–18 2018–19
Total grants 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 32,358,643 16,720,000 16,720,000 16,720,000
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0
Total program 32,358,643 16,720,000 16,720,000 16,720,000