Ferry review concerns workers

A one-year review of Northumberland Ferries, which operates between P.E.I. and Nova Scotia, has workers concerned about the future of the service.

A $27-million, five-year contract with the federal government expired in March. Ottawa is now providing one year worth of funding while it reviews the operation and just how necessary it is.

Captain David White has devoted 46 years of his life working for Northumberland Ferries.He's crossed the strait between Wood Island and Caribou countless times but says he still gets a rush from it.

"To me, it's been my livelihood. It's been a good job for me," said White.

"Also I feel that we provide a necessary service to the community of P.E.I. and Nova Scotia."

Local MP Lawrence MacAulay helped broker the last deal for Northumberland Ferries, when serious cutbacks were proposed for the service, but avoided at the last minute.

"I do fear it and I understand only too well what it would do the economy," said MacAulay.

"It would hurt Charlottetown and it would be a bad blow to eastern Prince Edward Island, not only for workers on the ferry but much more than that. I think the tourism industry [would be hurt]."

MacAulay says he will fight to make sure that doesn't happen.

The review is weighing heavily on Tina MacDonald's mind. She's been with the company for 26 years.

"We never have that security with subsidies, I guess, that we would like to have in place," said MacDonald.

"That would be a big thing to have that locked in there, and know you have that security with the government."

The government review will continue through to March of next year.