By
Rebecca Gibson |
Canada’s ferry sector created more than 8,400 jobs in 2012, according to a report released by the Canadian Ferry Operators Association (CFOA) at its annual AGM and Conference.
During the two-day event, the organisation’s CEO Serge Buy highlighted the socio-economic importance of the ferry sector, indicating that it transported around 40.7 million passengers and more than 14.8 million vehicles on 180 ferries last year. Operating on more than 120 routes, the ferry sector invested in cleaner, more efficient technology to provide essential transportation services to Canada’s remote communities.
“Ferries form an essential part of Canada’s transportation infrastructure and ferry operators provide vital economic connections for Canadians across the country,” said Buy. “While we applaud the federal government’s commitment of over CA$50 billion in infrastructure investments over the next ten years, it’s important to remember that infrastructure is more than just highways and bridges; investments in our maritime transportation systems are needed at the same time.”
Themed Innovative Approaches to Customer Relations, the conference ran from 23-24 September in St John’s, Newfoundland, and featured presentations on enhancing customer relations, as well as addresses by Paul Davis, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Transportation and Works and Rob Moore, Minister of State at Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Delegates also attended informative technical sessions and a supplier trade show.
Buy said: “In addition to providing an opportunity to connect with businesses and industry leaders from across the ferry sector, the conference allowed us to showcase the important economic contributions that our industry makes and demonstrate that further investments in our maritime transportation systems are necessary to keep this essential infrastructure safe and reliable.”