Indigenous Affairs Minister promises solution for Beausoleil First Nation ferry

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

Canada's Indigenous and Northern Affairs Minister is promising to work with Beausoleil First Nation on what the chief calls a serious problem with its aging ferry to the mainland.

“We are working with the Beausoleil First Nation and we hope to have it resolved,” Indigenous and Northern Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett told CTV News Tuesday.

A ministry spokesperson told CTV News that the federal government has provided $1.8M to help buy and retrofit a 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.

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.

The minister’s office said it’s committed to work with Beausoleil First Nation so they can have access to safe reliable services by either the summer or fall.

The chief wants a commitment for a new vessel and is hoping to see something in the spring budget.

Monague estimates a replacement ferry would cost $30M.