Transport Action Atlantic (TAA) is thrilled to see a major passenger-focused federal investment in ferry services in Atlantic Canada, as the federal government has swiftly followed through on a campaign promise that will benefit the travelling public in this region. TAA has long advocated for reductions to ferry rates, particularly on Marine Atlantic between Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. This was part of our 2025 election agenda, and it was also one of the major advocacy priorities we identified at our AGM, so we consider this to be a major success of our advocacy.

TAA had expressed cautious optimism about the new government’s promises to reduce ferry rates in the region, after seeing the previous government take far too long to only partially follow through on their promises about reducing Marine Atlantic’s cost recovery targets. So we are particularly pleased to see quick and concrete action by the current federal government.

Thanks to the federal announcement last week and the swift implementation on August 1, 2025, it is now more affordable for passengers to travel on four major ferry services in the region, with passenger fares reduced by 50% on Marine Atlantic to Newfoundland, Bay Ferries between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, Northumberland Ferries between Nova Scotia and PEI, and to the Magdalen Islands. Tolls on the Confederation Bridge have also been reduced, which further reduces another barrier to residents and visitors of Prince Edward Island.

While this is welcome news for passengers travelling in the region, this does not fully address the constitutional commitment to the people of Newfoundland. Beyond the passenger component, the recent federal announcement only freezes the commercial freight rates at their current level. To fully respect the spirit of the Terms of Union that made Newfoundland and Labrador a part of Canada, and to address ongoing cost of living challenges facing citizens across the country, reductions to the cost of moving freight to and from Newfoundland should also follow to make life in the province more affordable.

While we welcome the follow-through on this campaign promise, TAA will continue to advocate for:

1. Honouring the constitutional commitment to Newfoundland and Labrador by maintaining lower passenger fares and lowering commercial freight costs on Marine Atlantic; and
2. Improving public transport connections in the Maritimes to ensure that people can access these ferry services without the need to bring a personal vehicle, with schedules that connect effectively and cooperation between carriers to ensure convenient movement of passengers.