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Nova Scotia’s $20-million subsidy for Maine ferry is a good value, says new study

The Province of Nova Scotia released a 21FSP Advisory report concluding its about $20 million annual subsidy for the ferry is justified.
After announcing a review in 2022, the Province of Nova Scotia hired 21FSP Advisory in 2023 to study the ferry’s economic benefits amid funding, operator and port issues in recent years.
The report found the ferry supports $18 million–$42 million in GDP, $12 million–$18 million in labour income, and generates $800,000–$1.5 million in sales tax, with passengers staying 8.4 nights and spending about $106 daily.
Critics argued the roughly $20 million subsidy isn’t worth the cost, while officials said the future remains uncertain as Tilley and Bay Ferries could not be reached, and Gary Andrea stated, `We are looking at all options for the ferry service that will maximize the benefits for Nova Scotia`.
The report also places the subsidy in international context by noting ridership fell to about 39,700 in 2025 and almost every ferry worldwide receives government subsidies.

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