DIEPPE, NB — Atlantic Canada’s truckers will pay more for ferry service to Newfoundland and Labrador as of April 1, the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association has announced.

Marine Atlantic Inc. has hiked its rates by three percent for the 2014/15 season. The Crown Corporation’s fees have increased 11 percent since 2012.

“Marine Atlantic is holding Newfoundland and Labrador hostage with this latest increase above the inflation rate,” says Jean-Marc Picard, executive director of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association.

“There is no alternative when shipping goods. Coupled with higher costs for fuel and equipment, truckers will need to pass these higher prices on to their customers. This will be reflected in the cost of every product that Newfoundland and Labrador residents buy.”

Picard also claims that Marine Atlantic has cancelled more than 23 sailings since the beginning of 2014.

“We are calling on Marine Atlantic to revisit these rate increases and consult with its users to reach a reasonable, sustainable solution,” Picard says.

Marine Atlantic Inc.’s ferries are part of the Trans-Canada Highway, connecting Nova Scotia with Newfoundland and Labrador.