Thu., 6:00 PM 12:00 AM
Premier won't revisit Cat ferry issue.
Thursday, February 18th 2010
In an interview with CJLS News yesterday afternoon, Dexter says as far as he is concerned the matter is closed.
"We made this decision some time ago and I think we've been very clear that we are not revisiting the question of continuing a subsidy to an unsustainable service....that decision remains and will remain." Dexter said.
Speaking from Vancouver, the Premier said "what we want to see is of course is a proper transportation and tourism strategy for southwestern Nova Scotia, one that will benefit and grow the business for the region."
When asked why he won't pick up the phone and call the federal government Dexter said " the reality is that we have talked to the federal government throughout this piece and their has never been any suggestion from them that they are prepared to support the service, certainly my office has been open."
"And I haven't just ended that with conversations with the federal government, but I have been in contact with the Government of Maine and as well to see, you know, what their interest in the service was and they just made it very clear that they were not prepared to support it either, so the burden of a service that is not providing the kind of results that can be supported in an ongoing way I don't think should be on the Government of Nova Scotia."
"What we need to do is take the resources that we have and invest them in a way that will allow us to have a successful strategy for southwest Nova Scotia."
CJLS asked the premier if he had a message for laid-off Bay Ferries employees and those who may lose their jobs.
"You know Gary, this decision, as I have said, has not been an easy decision, it was a difficult one but it's one that I believe will ultimately lead to a greater economic success in the region and will lead to a plan for expanding tourism and create new economic development opportunities." << Back
