Summit provides opportunity to discuss provincial ferry services

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Elvis Loveless participated in a Ferries and Rail Summit held in Hamilton, Ontario, this week.

The summit was hosted by Federal Minister of Transport and Internal Trade Chrystia Freeland and brought together industry leaders, suppliers, and governments to discuss how, by working together, Canada’s rail and ferry industries can use more Canadian steel and aluminum in construction projects.

The forum also presented an opportunity to discuss the future needs of ferry and rail projects, capacity constraints and barriers to building in Canada, as well as actions governments could take to support industry.

The summit’s focus on domestic production helps ensure that investments in transportation infrastructure – like ferries and trains – directly benefit Canadians.

Newfoundland and Labrador has four provincial ferries nearing 40 years of age and has identified the need for fleet renewal to ensure continued service. Government is looking at new builds, retrofits, leases and contracts.

The summit also provided an opportunity for the minister to discuss the potential for hybrid and electric ferries, as well as the capacity for ferry building within Newfoundland and Labrador.