OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/21/13 -- Today the Canadian Ferry Operators Association (CFOA) voiced its support for the agreement in principle on a comprehensive trade agreement between Canada and the European Union. Under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the current Canadian tariff of 25% on ferries shorter than 129 metres will be eliminated over a period of 7 years.
"We applaud the Harper government's efforts in establishing a free trade agreement with the European Union," said Serge Buy, CEO of CFOA. "Our sector is investing $2.3 billion in fleet renewal over the next five years, and the elimination of this tariff will support our ferry operators as they continue to provide vital economic connections for Canadians across the country."
Ferries form an essential part of Canada's transportation infrastructure and ferry operators make key contributions in driving Canada's economy. Last year, CFOA ferry operators:
-- Connected people and markets across the country by transporting nearly
40.7 million passengers and over 14.8 million vehicles;
-- Contributed to Canada's economic growth by employing more than 8,400
Canadians, helping generate more than 22,600 jobs and by maintaining
operating budgets of over $1 billion;
-- Provided essential transportation services and vital links to Canada's
remote communities by operating more than 180 ferries on over 120
routes;
-- Continued to provide a safe and environmentally friendly means of
transportation by investing in cleaner technologies and more efficient
vessels, and by contributing to a noteworthy industry safety record.
About CFOA
The Canadian Ferry Operators Association is the national voice of ferries in Canada. Our members operate with the highest professional and operational standards and promote the safe operation of ferry services in Canada.
Visit www.cfoa.ca for more information. Follow us on Twitter @cdnferry.
Contacts:
Canadian Ferry Operators Association
Daniel Kosick
Director of Communications
(613) 686-3838
(613) 482-3604 (FAX)
dkosick@cfoa.ca
www.cfoa.ca
