Letter to the Hon. Pablo Rodriguez

​Hon. Pablo Rodriguez                                                                                                          November 16, 2023
House of Commons 
Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada
K1A 0A6
pablo.rodriguez@parl.gc.ca

Dear Minister Rodriguez,

The Digby and Area Board of Trade (DABT) wish to express our collective concern regarding the recent report indicating your consideration of re-deploying the Fundy Rose to service Souris and Îles-de-la-Madeleine route while their ferry undergoes maintenance procedures in dry-dock, during the early part of the new year in 2024.  This consideration will cause potential impacts in both Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

The potential economic impact highlighted by the DABT underscores the vital role the ferry plays in supporting local economies and the well-being of communities on both sides of the Bay of Fundy. There were over 4,000 commercial tractor-trailers using the ferry over the course of 2022. In addition, at least 600 commercial trailers are dropped off at one terminal and picked up at the other terminal. Non-commercial transits include at least 41,500 single crossings annually, with a 15-20% variance allowing for additional passengers (that is, some vehicles may have more than one individual crossing).

The Fundy Rose ferry has long been an essential link in connecting these two vibrant provinces, offering a convenient and scenic transportation option for passengers and cargo alike. With its uncertain future, the DABT aims to shed light on the economic implications of losing this vital connection.
Key areas impacted include:

1. Job Losses: The removal of the Fundy Rose ferry could result in the direct loss of hundreds of jobs across both provinces, not only within the ferry service itself but across various sectors, such as tourism, hospitality, and transportation, that rely on the influx of visitors brought by the ferry year round.
2. Tourism Decline: The ferry has played a pivotal role in promoting tourism in the region, making the beautiful landscapes and attractions of both provinces more accessible to tourists. Its absence would lead to a significant decline in visitor numbers, adversely impacting local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops.
3. Economic Contraction: Local businesses, including those in the tourism and hospitality sectors, would experience a drop in revenue, potentially leading to business closures. This, in turn, could reduce the tax base and negatively affect public services in the communities.
4. Supply Chain Disruption: The ferry is an essential component of the regional supply chain, providing a lifeline for the transportation of goods and sea food products between the two provinces. Its removal could disrupt the timely flow of goods, impacting businesses and consumers.
5. Reduced Investment Attractiveness: The uncertainty surrounding transportation infrastructure could affect the attractiveness of the region for potential investors, causing long-term economic implications.

The DABT strongly encourages all stakeholders, including governments, community leaders, and businesses, to collaborate on finding sustainable solutions to keep the Fundy Rose ferry service operational. The potential impacts underscores the critical importance of maintaining this vital link for the economic well-being of the region.
About Digby and Area Board of Trade (DABT): For over a century the DABT has served the business interests and aspirations of one of Nova Scotia’s most storied and successful seaports. Digby is positioned on the periphery of one of North America’s most sustainable and lucrative fisheries, which is and has been the main industry over the years. Lobster, scallop and groundfish are the foremost species fished at this time, whereas aquaculture farms Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, Arctic char, Atlantic halibut and striped char. Other important industries in the area include forestry, farming, fur, and tourism.

Sincerely,
Kevin Ellis
President
Digby and Area Board of Trade (DABT)
.cc
Chris d’Entremont (chris.dentremont@parl.gc.ca)
Jill Balser (hello@digbyannapolis.ca)
Ben Cleveland (bcleveland@digby.ca)
Linda Gregory (lgregory@digbymun.ca)