NL MP and federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson (third from left) joins in an announcement in P.E.I. Monday by Prime Minister Mark Carney that included a 50 per cent drop in fares onboard Marine Atlantic ferries. Photo by Colin MacLean /PostmediaArticle contentPrime Minister Mark Carney announced on Monday, July 28, 2025 cost reductions for interprovincial transportation routes in Atlantic Canada and Eastern Québec – including Marine Atlantic ferries between Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe reductions come in to effect on Friday, Aug. 1.Article contentArticle contentA news release states that the government will fund Marine Atlantic Inc. to reduce its fares by 50 per cent for passengers and passenger vehicles on both routes, and freeze commercial freight rates.Article contentArticle contentThe cuts also include for Confederation Bridge tolls for all vehicles from over $50 to $20, and are cuts by 50 per cent for passengers, vehicles and commercial traffic on the Eastern Canada Ferry Services that are federally supported.Article contentA news release notes the changes deliver on a core election promise by Carney. It states the changes will help lower costs, improve mobility between provinces, and drive long-term economic growth for Canadians as we build the strongest economy in the G7.Article content“Canada’s new government is on a mission to bring down costs and build one, strong Canadian economy,” Carney said during the announcement made in P.E.I. “By cutting tolls on the Confederation Bridge and fares on ferries in Atlantic Canada, Canadians and businesses will save millions of dollars. “That means more travel and trade between provinces, a stronger, more united economy, and more prosperity and opportunity for Canadians.”Article contentArticle content A Marine Atlantic ferry approaches Port aux Basques. Contributed photo. Photo by Contributed /The TelegramArticle contentNewfoundland and Labrador MP and Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Joanne Thompson said the announcement is important to her province. “Fishing is central to our coastal economy. The sector sustains tens of thousands of jobs and contributes billions to Canada’s GDP annually,” she said in the news release. “Cutting fares and tolls on key interprovincial transportation routes in Atlantic Canada will support the continued growth of this key industry for generations to come.”Article contentThe release noted that Marine Atlantic Inc. operates Canada’s only constitutionally required ferry service, which connects Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, playing a critical role in the region’s trade and social links. Nearly 65 per cent of goods that are transported to and from Newfoundland are transported by Marine Atlantic Inc., including 90 per cent of all perishables such as fresh produce, medical oxygen, and propane for home heating.
PM cuts travel costs by 50 per cent on Marine Atlantic ferries, effective Aug. 1
