Marine Atlantic to again honour Canadian Forces with discounted travel
February 20, 2010
Sydney, Nova Scotia - Wayne Follett, President and CEO of Marine Atlantic, with Canada’s Transport Minister, John Baird, today announced that Marine Atlantic will once again honour Canada’s Canadian Forces personnel, veterans and up to three companions with a special appreciation fare from May 1 to October 31, 2010. Marine Atlantic launched this initiative for the first time last year, which was a huge success.
“The Government of Canada is proud of the work of our Canadian Forces and the contributions made by our veterans,” said Baird. “We are pleased that Marine Atlantic Inc. is once again honouring members of the Canadian Forces and their families by providing discounted travel opportunities to and from Newfoundland and Labrador.”
“This special fare between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland is a great way to say ‘thank you’ to current and retired members of the Canadian Forces,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence.
“Marine Atlantic’s offer is one more way we can repay the great debt that all Canadians owe to the brave men and women who have always been willing to defend our nation,” said the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs.
The Canadian Forces Appreciation Fare 2010 will provide Canadian Forces members and veterans with free passenger fare on the Port aux Basques/North Sydney ferry route. Additionally, members will receive a 50 per cent discount on their passenger fare when travelling on the Argentia/North Sydney ferry service. Up to three companions travelling in the same vehicle and on the same reservation will also receive the discount.
“We received a very positive response from our Canadian Forces and veterans who benefitted from the appreciation fare last year. By announcing the fare much earlier this year we hope to provide those interested with additional time to make their travel plans,” said Mr. Follett. “The 2010 appreciation fare provides for availability on every crossing during the six month travel period which is an improvement over last year’s promotion where some crossings were not available for any bookings under the appreciation fare. However, it is still important that individuals book early to get the discount on their preferred crossing.”
This promotion will provide individuals with a wide range of opportunities to travel to and from the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Due to space limitations on the vessels, especially during July and August, there are restrictions on the number of spaces available for the Canadian Forces Appreciation Fare 2010. To reserve under this Canadian Forces Appreciation Fare 2010 beginning on Monday, March 1, 2010, please call 1-800-341-7981. The fare is not available through online booking. The Canadian Forces Appreciation Fare 2010 is available on new and existing reservations. Members of the military and veterans may book anytime during the promotional period, by presenting required identification. Normal fares will apply to the vehicle itself for Argentia/North Sydney as well as Port aux Basques/North Sydney ferry services.
Media Contact:
Tara Laing
Communications
Telephone: 709.772.8974
Email: tlaing@marine-atlantic.ca
