My question is for the representative of the government in the Senate.

Senator Gold, I’ve broached this subject with you before. Some months ago, Accessible Campobello submitted a request to the Senate Social Affairs Committee in relation to the immediate need to have year-round access to the province of New Brunswick without having to enter the United States. The ongoing border closure makes this need paramount to 800 Canadian citizens living on one of the most famous Canadian islands. Hospital appointments have continually been cancelled in Saint John, and there is a need to travel to the U.S. for fuel and groceries. The current seasonal ferry does not resolve this issue.

It is to be noted that the federal government spends some $30 million on ferry traffic in B.C. When will the federal government rectify this untenable situation?

Yes, please. With respect to funding envelopes for federal government assistance, I note that there are two programs under Transport Canada — the Ferry Services Contribution Program and the BC Ferries grant — for interprovincial ferry services. It would seem that the aid one gives on the West Coast could be duplicated on the East Coast. Certainly travelling through a foreign country to find footing on one’s own ground is not the answer.