N.S. premier says no to latest proposal to save CAT high-speed ferry

From the Canadian Press

February 25, 2010 12:29 p.m.

HALIFAX, N.S. - The Nova Scotia government won't participate in a proposed deal to save high-speed ferry service to New England from the province's southwest coast.

Four municipalities in western Nova Scotia, with the backing of some businesses, say they're prepared to split the $6 million in subsidies needed to keep the CAT running this year.

But Premier Darrell Dexter says the province doesn't have the money and cabinet will not revisit the issue.

Members of the Conservative caucus are planning to travel to Ottawa next week to lobby the federal government for help.

Bay Ferries announced in December that it was going to end the service because the province was no longer willing to provide subsidies.

Local officials estimate the loss of the ferry will cost at least 500 tourism-related jobs.

News from ©The Canadian Press, 2010