Cardigan MP Lawrence MacAulay sets sights on improved ferry service for P.E.I.

Cardigan's member of parliamentsays stable funding for the ferry service to P.E.I. is one thing he was happy to see in this week'sfederal budget.

The federal government announced $278.3 million over five years, starting in 201718, including existing resources, for the continued operations of ferry services in Atlantic Canada.

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That includesferries that run between les de la Madeleine, Que.,and Souris, P.E.I. and between Wood Islands, P.E.I., and Caribou, N.S.

"I've always had my eye on the Wood Islands-Caribou ferry service and I can assure you it's not off it," said MP Lawrence MacAulay."If there's any way I can make it better, I will."

One of those waysis lobbying for a new ferry to replace the aging vessels still in use. Service was reduced during the 2016 tourist season to one ferry when the 45-year-old Holiday Island was in dry dock for repairs.

While he didn't come right out and say he was expecting to see money in the federal budget for a new ferry, MacAulay said the government is fully aware of the need for it.

"I will continue to work on this issue."

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