HALIFAX – There is confusion about the status of the winter route announced by Nova Star Cruises.
On Tuesday, the company issued a media release stating a multi-year winter route between France and England had been secured. The service would run three times a day and would begin November 1. The Yarmouth to Portland, Maine service ends October 13.
RELATED: Too much money going to Nova Star ferry in Yarmouth: Stephen McNeil
The winter contract would run under an agreement with Euroferries Express Ltd.
However, on Wednesday, Thanet District Council, the council that owns the port at Ramsgate, England, said there is no agreement with Euroferries Express Ltd. for a ferry crossing.
“Any statements to the contrary regarding the council-owner port are both inaccurate and misleading,” reads the media release.
READ MORE: Coming weeks critical for future of Yarmouth ferry operator: Minister
The council said Euroferries has failed to prove they can provide a viable cross-channel service.
“The council welcomes all credible approaches from commercial operations and is open for business with companies who could demonstrate the potential to operate a viable service from the port.”
A spokesperson for Nova Star Cruises said the company stands by its release and would not comment on the statement by the council.
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Transportation Minister Geoff MacLellan told Global News on Tuesday that he was disappointed by passenger numbers released by Nova Star, saying they were stagnant, and had reservations about the operator’s winter contract, which he said required a subsidy from the province.
Federal support
Meanwhile Premier Stephen McNeil said he wants the federal government to chip in and pay for the ferry service between Yarmouth and Portland.
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McNeil said he is committed to the link and hopes his federal counterparts commit to backing it.
“I’m hoping our candidates in the federal election of all parties will also express their support and bring the federal government on board as a partner,” he said.
“This is an international link. This is Canada’s link to the Eastern seaboard and to Canada. We want the federal government to be part of that, helping us ensure that service is there for longer.”
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