Suspension of Marine Atlantic’s Argentia – North Sydney Ferry Service

Posted: May 30, 2020 | Chamber Press ReleasesIn The Media

Placentia Chamber Outlines Economic Impact and Seeks Commitment in Correspondence to Federal Transport Minister and Marine Atlantic 

Marine Atlantic has recently announced the suspension of the Argentia – North Sydney ferry service for the 2020 tourism season. In its announcement the Canadian Crown Corporation cited that because of COVID-19, the demand for leisure and tourism travel to and from the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador is not expected to recover in the immediate future. With travel restrictions in effect throughout Canada, decreased travel trends are expected to continue into the summer season.

The suspension of the seasonal service will have a negative impact on the economy of the Placentia region. The loss of direct employment in Marine Atlantic and other support staffing will have a negative impact on families in our communities. The shut down of the terminal will see the closure of several small businesses. The loss of incoming and outgoing traffic will have a great impact on the services in our communities that rely on the support of spin-off business.

The Placentia Chamber of Commerce has outlined the economic impact of the suspension in service in recent correspondence to The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport Canada, and Mr. Murray Hupman, President and CEO or Marine Atlantic. In its correspondence the Chamber has requested the commitment of the Transportation Minister and Marine Atlantic that this service will return next season or earlier, if public health conditions or revised business models permit.

The presence of Marine Atlantic and its predecessors in Argentia has long played an important role in the economic picture of our region. Many of our members and the business community in general benefit from the activity of the service. The Placentia Chamber of Commerce looks forward to continued dialogue with Marine Atlantic to ensure they maintain and grow their presence in our region.