Beausoleil First Nation chief wants meeting with Feds

People wait for the M.V. Sandy Graham on Christian Island, Ont. on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016. (Roger Klein/ CTV Barrie)

The chief of Beausoleil First Nation says the federal government isn’t treating the need to replace an aging ferry with the urgency it requires.

The Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs told CTV News Tuesday that it has provided $1.8M for the purchase and retrofit of a used vessel to replace the M.V. Sandy Graham.

Beausoleil Chief Roland Monague argues that vessel is a barge which has been sitting in Alabama being repaired and wouldn’t carry people.

Monague claims the department promised a new ferry back in 2004 and insisted that minister Carolyn Bennett doesn’t have all the correct facts.  He wants Bennett to meet with him at Christian Island.

“She hasn’t responded to all my letters – I would challenge her to come here and meet with me personally to discuss the issue then we can talk factual information,” said Chief Roland Monague.

The ferry that runs between Christian Island and Cedar Point is a lifeline for the 800 resident, who call the island home. However, it can't always make the journey safely.

Monague says the rusting, 50-year old vessel needs to be replaced now -- and he wants some kind of commitment from Ottawa before it has to be pulled out of service.

Bennett told CTV News on Tuesday the department is working with Beausoleil First Nation and hopes to have the issue resolved.

The chief estimates a new ferry would cost $30M.