HALIFAX - Nova Scotia's premier says he's open to providing short-term cash to help keep a ferry service operating between Yarmouth, N.S., and Maine.
However, Darrell Dexter says he'll first need to see the results of a study of transport needs for the southwestern region of the province.
The premier made the comments after hearing a plea from Yarmouth Mayor Phil Mooney, who says all he wants for Christmas is a boat.
Dexter says there are "circumstances where you'd look at an investment that would be of a short-term nature" to keep a ferry running between Yarmouth and Bar Harbour, Maine.
The report on transportation by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency was originally due in March or April, but now Dexter says he's hoping it could be fast-tracked and made available early in the new year.
The premier continued to rule out providing $6 million to guarantee that the Cat fast-ferry service would continue, and he also says his government can't provide an ongoing subsidy for a ferry service.
