New Brunswick has too many aging ferries according to provincial Finance Minister Roger Melanson, combined with the need to reduce the deficit and debt. Melanson says you can’t ignore the fiscal reality and that’s why a review of the ferry service is being done.
The former tourism minister in the Alward Government, Portland-Simonds M-L-A Trevor Holder says that can only mean all bets are off and no ferry is protected.
The Conservative M-L-A for Kings Centre Bill Oliver says the government’s own report states eliminating the Summerville-Millidgeville ferry would necessitate a 90 kilometer alternate route.
Melanson is suggesting the Conservative M-L-A’s should talk to their colleague from Quispamsis, former Finance Minister Blaine Higgs about the need to make tough decisions considering the state of the province’s finances.