Many Campobello Island residents are likely breathing a huge sigh of relief.
The seasonal ferry returned to service Thursday, more than one month early.
It comes amid the ongoing tariff dispute between Canada and the United States.
“Our government understands the need to have a reliable transportation link to the mainland during these uncertain times,” Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Chuck Chiasson said in a news release.
“Beginning seasonal ferry service early will make life easier for residents to travel, and will also make the island easier for New Brunswickers to visit.”
While Campobello Island has a permanent transportation link, it is connected to the mainland at Lubec, Maine.
That means a round trip to other parts of Canada requires crossing the border two times each way and amounts to 150 kilometres of travel.
There is no gas station on the island or medical services, and only a small market for household products.
Funding to extend the service will come from the province’s Regional Development Corporation, which is supporting communities affected by tariffs.
The province also paid to extend the ferry service during the pandemic amid border restrictions and rising cases of the virus.
