Contract negotiations to operate the CAT Ferry between Nova Scotia and Maine are ongoing, and the issue seems to be around securing the vessel itself. The CAT Ferry is leased from the U.S. Navy. According to Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, that seems to be where the snag in negotiations to secure the vessel for next year lies. “I think it would be fair to say that we understand the importance of that service and we believe in that service. We’ve been trying to negotiate the continuation of that service. We were negotiating with a U.S. government which became a little difficult,” Houston says. The CAT left Yarmouth for its final crossing of the year on Wednesday and as it stands, there’s no guarantee it’ll be back, despite the importance of the link to the New England states. “We’re doing everything we can to get this solved as soon as possible and we understand the timelines that we’re under,” says Public Works Minister Fred Tilley. Currently, the operating and cabin crews are all American citizens since it is an American-owned ship. The onboard hospitality and catering staff are Nova Scotians. One option being discussed is for the government to buy the vessel and employ more people from the province. “The best solution for Nova Scotia obviously would you have profits of flow to Nova Scotia and to have a Nova Scotia crew but as we stand right now, as you know, it’s a contracted vessel,” Tilley says. The contract delays are stopping advertising campaigns, bookings and promotions for the 2027 season from moving forward. That’s a concern for NDP Leader Claudia Chender. “I think the fact that we continue to push against these deadlines for a deal, fundamentally disadvantages the success of the service,” Chender says. The Nova Scotia government gave a $21 million subsidy to Bay Ferries Ltd. to operate the CAT this year with a financial return estimated to be around $40 million provincewide. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
