Nova Star gets subsidies, but more scrutiny
The Nova Star Cruises ferry has received an extra $4.4 million from Nova Scotia’s government to pay overdue bills, but it’s still uncertain if service will continue next year.
The Portland Press Herald reported that the new subsidy comes after the ferry service between Portland and Yarmouth, N.S., had already received $19 million ($21 million Canadian) from the provincial government — subsidies Nova Star was originally supposed to receive over a seven-year period. The ferry service had struggled to meet expectations for ticket sales in its inaugural season.
Nova Star is receiving the new infusion of funds under the condition that it allows Nova Scotia’s government to audit its books and to receive regular financial updates.
Michel Samson, Nova Scotia’s minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism, and Dennis Bailey, a spokesman for Nova Star Cruises, both said they are committed to bringing the ferry service back next season. But they could not make any guarantees.
Nova Star has yet to provide more details about its plans to run a winter route.
Read more
Nova Star spending $21M subsidy faster than planned
Nova Scotia seeks $5M ferry subsidy from Maine
Nova Star cancels last three weeks of season
Alternative ferry to Nova Star proposed
Nova Star Cruises competitor to send proposal
Most Recent
Most Recent
Comments