OTTAWA –  On March 17th, The Honourable Peter Mackay, Minister of National Defence; the Honourable  Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs; the Honourable Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport); and Rob Crosbie, chair of the board of directors of Marine Atlantic, announced that Marine Atlantic will once again honour the Canadian Forces with a special appreciation fare.

“The reduced fare will be available to current military personnel, veterans and up to three companions per reservation for travel from May 1 to October 31, 2011,” explains Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville-Wainwright. “Marine Atlantic first launched this discounted travel fare in 2009, and it has been well received.”
The Canadian Forces Appreciation Fare 2011* 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. 

“I am proud to be a part of a government that recognizes the efforts of our military personnel, veterans and their families through this appreciation fare,” said Benoit. “Making it easier for the Canadian Forces to travel the country they defend and protect is a small reflection of our gratitude for their hard work and efforts, both at home and abroad.”

“As we honour our military past with the introduction of our newest vessels, the MV Blue Puttees and  MV Highlanders, we also want to recognize our current military personnel who stand proud for our country throughout the world each and every day,” said Mr. Crosbie. “Our Canadian Forces are ambassadors who represent us on the international stage and they deserve this small token of our appreciation during their travels. We have received significant positive feedback on this initiative, and I am pleased we can offer it again during our 2011 travel season.”

Marine Atlantic will designate a number of spaces on each crossing for the Canadian Forces Appreciation Fare 2011. Once spaces are filled on a particular crossing, reservation staff will provide information on the next available crossing. For reservations, please call 1-800-341-7981