Ferry Services Contribution Program

From visiting loved ones to shipping goods to market, Canadians and businesses of Atlantic Canada rely on safe and efficient ferry services to keep communities connected and build an economy that works for everyone.

Transport Canada’s Ferry Services Contribution Program provides funding that supports inter-provincial ferry transportation in Atlantic Canada and Eastern Quebec, between:

• Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island and Caribou, Nova Scotia;
• Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec and Souris, Prince Edward Island; and
• Saint John, New Brunswick and Digby, Nova Scotia.

In support of these services, Transport Canada also own four ferry vessels and six shore facilities, which are leased to operators.

Ferry Services Contribution Program activities

• Funds three private inter-provincial ferry operators in Atlantic Canada and Eastern Quebec:
  1. Cap-aux-Meules, Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec and Souris, P.E.I.
     • Operated by CTMA Traversier Ltée year-round.
     • Vessel: MV Madeleine II – built in 2019.
  2. Saint John, New Brunswick and Digby, Nova Scotia
     • Operated by Bay Ferries Ltd. year-round.
     • Vessel: MV Fundy Rose – built in 1999.
  3. Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island and Caribou, Nova Scotia
     • Operated by Northumberland Ferries Ltd. from May to December.
     • Vessels:
       • MV Confederation – built in 1992.
       • MV Northumberland – built in 2007.
• Manages federally owned ferry assets and funds capital repairs.
• Negotiates, monitors, and amends funding agreements with each ferry operator, as required.