Atlantic MLA’s join protest over plan to scrap ferry’s drop trailer ops
‘– The movement to save Marine Atlantic’s drop-trailer service picked up steam yesterday as local government officials urged the community to fight the Transport Canada plan.
Cape Breton North MLA Cecil Clarke as well as fellow MLA Brook Taylor and the three Northside regional councillors, says there’s a consensus that the federal government shouldn’t be negotiating the elimination of the service, according to the Cape Breton Post.
An advisory committee appointed by the government has recommended the Port Aux Basques-North Sydney ferry service abandon the drop service to focus on other operations like live load.
The plan has drawn applause from a large contingent of owner-operators who have routinely criticized how Marine Atlantic handles drop service in favour of live loads. However, the Atlantic Province’s Trucking Association, which represents the region’s largest carriers, as well as several unions connected to Marine Atlantic are also lobbying the government to maintain drop service.
In a meeting with federal authorities, Clarke said that the province is happy with the service levels in North Sydney the way they are. In the spring, the Nova Scotia Legislature unanimously passed a resolution that the drop-trailer service be maintained in North Sydney.
According to the Post, Colchester Musquodoboit MLA Brooke Taylor, also said the elimination of the drop-trailer service makes no sense — echoing the arguments made the APTA.
“The drop-trailer service allows the trucking industry to keep commercial vehicles rolling and are much more efficient than sitting in the lineup,” Taylor told the newspaper. “The drop-trailer service is part of our constitutional right and must be sustained and enhanced. If this service is cut, my concern would be what will be next to go.”
Transportation Minister Jean Lapierre has since hired a consultant to explore economic impacts if the measure is implemented. That report due Sept. 15 and Lapierre is expected to make his final decision in October.
— with files from the Cape Breton Post
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