25 years ago, on June 11, 1998 the Canada Marine Act received royal ascent. It was the culmination of the Standing Committee on Transport, which metamorphosed into the National Marine Policy of December 1995.  This Act was in part to make the system of Canadian ports competitive and for the commercialization of the St. Lawrence Seaway and Ferry Services. A review of the Canada Marine Act was commissioned and a Guidance Document of Marine Policy was published in May of 2002. Within that Guidance Document – Chapter 9 contains recommendations concerning Ferries. The review confirmed that ferry services to Newfoundland are constitutionally mandated and that the government continue “similar services” on other routes thought the private sector, supported financially by the government if required as well as provincial governments. Ferry services to P.E.I were no longer constitutionally mandated after the construction of the confederation bridge. The Digby Saint John Ferry is operated by Bay Ferries who receives federal funding through the Ferry Services Contribution Program. One (1) million dollars annually is contributed by the province of Nova Scotia and 1 million annually from New Brunswick. In 2017 Transport Canada issued a Request for Information regarding Eastern Canada Ferry Services Project. This was a process of consultation on market interest in further privatizing ferry services with long term contracts with operators who would be responsible for supplying ferry vessels. The result of this consultation is not known, however, on August 13, 2021 the federal government announced a five year extension of the Ferry Services Contribution program in Eastern Canada until March 31, 2027. The Digby Saint John Ferry is a top priority issue for the Chamber and requires an ongoing commitment to stay informed, advocate and be proactive.  See link to full Review of Canada Marine Act – Guidance Document.