Government of Canada to acquire interim replacement for the MV Madeleine ferry

GATINEAU, QC, July 2, 2020 /CNW/ - Canadians in Eastern Quebec and Atlantic Canada, as well as tourists and businesses, rely on safe and efficient ferry services to support vibrant and sustainable communities and economies.

Today, the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, and the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, announced that the Government of Canada has issued an Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN), signalling its intention to purchase the Motor Vessel (MV) Villa de Teror as an interim measure to replace the MV Madeleine.

The MV Madeleine is 39 years old and is at the end of its service life, and last year the Government of Canada announced that Chantier Davie Canada Inc. will build a replacement vessel, which is expected to be ready in 2026.

However, an interim solution is required to ensure continued reliable, predictable, and safe ferry service to the residents of Îles-de-la-Madeleine. As a result, Transport Canada intends to purchase the MV Villa de Teror to deliver the service during the summer of 2021 until 2026.

Once the purchase has been completed, Transport Canada intends to rename the MV Villa de Teror as the MV Madeleine II. When the permanent replacement built by Chantier Davie enters into service, the Government will sell the MV Villa de Teror (MV Madeleine II).

The Government of Canada is also pleased to announce that the permanent replacement for the MV Madeleine II will be named the MV Jean Lapierre.

Through this procurement process, the ACAN allows other interested suppliers with a ferry that meets Transport Canada minimum operational requirements to submit a statement of capabilities before a contract is awarded. Other interested suppliers have 15 calendar days from today to submit a Statement of Capabilities to show they meet the requirements laid out in the ACAN.

Quotes

"The ferry service is essential to the citizens of the Îles-de-la-Madeleine as it connects their communities to the mainland, and it supports regional economies through the transportation of goods and tourism. The MV Madeleine is at the end of service life and the Government of Canada is taking steps to ensure that this important service is maintained without interruption."

Minister of Transport
The Honourable Marc Garneau

"I am extremely proud of the fact that the new ship will be named the MV Jean Lapierre, in honour of the proud Madelinot and former Minister of Transport who passed away far too soon in 2016. This name will immortalize Jean Lapierre's service and deep commitment to his community in the collective memory of the people of the Magdalen Islands for decades to come."

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier
Minister of National Revenue

"The Government of Canada is committed to providing safe and reliable ferry services to Canadians, tourists and businesses in Eastern Quebec and Atlantic Canada. Today's announcement will allow travellers and businesses to enjoy uninterrupted ferry service in this region, while two ferries are being built by Chantier Davie Canada Inc., supporting economic growth and jobs in Quebec and around the country." 

The Honourable Anita Anand
Minister of Public Services and Procurement

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada is working with Chantier Davie Canada Inc. to design and construct two new ferries for Transport Canada. These will replace the 39 year-old MV Madeleine (which is currently used as the primary vessel for service between Îles?de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, and Souris, Prince Edward Island [PEI]), and the 49 year-old MV Holiday Island (one of two vessels used to provide service between Wood Islands, PEI, and Caribou, Nova Scotia).
• Following industry analysis, the Government of Canada determined that the purchase of the MV Villa de Teror is the only solution that meets operational requirements and assures service continuity as an interim measure while the permanent replacement for the MV Madeleine is being built.

Associated links

• Advance Contract Award Notice
• Canada to acquire two new ferries for the Eastern Canada Ferry Services
• Government of Canada enters into negotiations with Chantier Davie for construction of two ferries
• Ferry Services Contribution Program

Stay connected

Follow Transport Canada on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.
Follow Public Services and Procurement Canada on Twitter and Facebook

SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada