Serge Buy News

Because there are so many different kinds of passenger vessels, the critical topic of passenger safety can sometimes appear as a set of niche topics, each one just distantly connected to another. After all, passengers aboard a cruise ship in the Caribbean face safety issues that are much different than a commuter going from Jersey City to Manhattan or a tourist crossing from the Mukilteo, Wash. ferry terminal to Whidbey Island or a family on a fishing vessel in Miami.Importantly, though, for passenger vessel operators, a commitment to safety is not siloed.

Ferry operators across Canada applaud new changes made by the federal government that will allow infrastructure projects related to ferries to be eligible for funding under the New Building Canada Fund, according to the Canadian Ferry Operators Association (CFOA). The original eligibility criteria for the fund, established in 2014, excluded most projects related to ferries, meaning very few operators have been able to apply for infrastructure projects. The CFOA and provincial governments have worked together urging Transport Minister Marc Garneau and Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi to revise the criteria to include ferries and ferry operators.

With the release of today’s federal budget, Canada’s ferry sector is praising the actions taken by the government to improve fleet renewal across Canada. This includes waiving the tariff on the importation of vessels of all sizes and making strategic investments in locations throughout the country. “Today’s budget will have a real impact on passengers throughout the country,” said Serge Buy, CEO of the Canadian Ferry Operators Association (CFOA). The tariff, initially created…

As Canadians remember the tragic sinking of the Korean ferry, MV Sewol, one year ago today, Canada’s ferry operators remind Canadians of the notable safety track record of its sector. Through a short video posted online, the Canadian Ferry Operators Association (CFOA) showcases how its ferries are among the safest modes of transportation in the world and adhere to high safety standards. “Canada’s transportation system is one of the safest in the world,” said Serge Buy, CEO of CFOA. According to the Transportation Safety Board (TSB), there have been no accidents resulting in fatalities in the ferry sector in the past seven years. In 2013, TSB reported only 13 accidents involving ferries in 2013, a reduction of 48% from 2011.

The Canadian Ferry Operators Association (CFOA) welcomed today’s announcement of $58 million over two years to support ferries in Eastern Canada. “We are happy to see the government reaffirming its commitment to Canada’s ferries. This is a step in the right direction,” said Serge Buy, CEO of CFOA. This funding will help support ferry operations and assets for three interprovincial ferries: Saint John, NB / Digby, NS (operated by Bay Ferries Ltd); Wood Islands, PEI / Caribou, NS (operated by Northumberland Ferries Ltd) and Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC / Souris, PEI (Operated by C.T.M.A.

The Canadian Ferry Operators Association (CFOA) has said it welcomed Prime Minister Harper’s announcement of the framework for the New Building Canada Plan (NBCP). Details were also released on the New Building Canada Fund (NBCF), the $14-billion component of the NBCP that will support infrastructure projects of national, regional and local significance that promote job creation and economic growth. “The Harper government has clearly demonstrated its commitment to developing and renewing Canada’s transportation infrastructure through this $53 billion investment,” said Serge Buy, CEO of CFOA.

The Canadian Ferry Operators Association (CFOA) voiced its support for the agreement in principle on a comprehensive trade agreement between Canada and the European Union. Under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the current Canadian tariff of 25% on ferries shorter than 129 metres will be eliminated over a period of 7 years. "We applaud the Harper government’s efforts in establishing a free trade agreement with the European Union,"” said Serge Buy, CEO of CFOA. Ferries form an essential part of Canada’s transportation infrastructure and ferry operators make key contributions in driving Canada’s economy. Continued to provide a safe and environmentally friendly means of transportation by investing in cleaner technologies and more efficient vessels…

The Canadian Ferry Operators Association (CFOA) officially released 'Keeping Canada Moving', an industry report that highlights the ferry sector’s significant economic contributions and that demonstrates the need for further government investment in marine transportation infrastructure. "“Ferries form an essential part of Canada’s transportation systems, and ferry operators provide vital economic connections for Canadians across the country,"” said Serge Buy, CEO of CFOA. “"While…

Today marked the conclusion of the Canadian Ferry Operators Association (CFOA) annual AGM and Conference in St. John’s, NL. The theme of CFOA 2013 was Innovative Approaches to Customer Relations, and the two-day conference featured presentations on enhancing customer relations, informative technical sessions as well as a trade show with exhibits from some of the world’s leading ferry sector suppliers. “CFOA 2013 was an unqualified success,” said Serge Buy, CEO of CFOA. CFOA 2013 also featured the release of a report highlighting the socio-economic importance of the ferry sector in Canada, as well as addresses by the Hon. Paul Davis, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Transportation and Works, and the Hon. Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency).

The Canadian Ferry Operators Association (CFOA) expresses approval of industry-related budget measures. “This government continues to demonstrate its commitment to transportation infrastructure,” said Serge Buy, CEO of CFOA. Ferries are an integral part of Canada’s transportation system. Collectively, CFOA’s members: Run a fleet of almost 140 ferries Employ approximately 7,400 people Carry over 40 million passengers and nearly 17 million vehicles annually. “In many parts of Canada, ferries are a crucial part of our transportation system,” adds Mr. Buy. The Canadian Ferry Operators Association is the national voice of ferries in Canada. Its members operate with the highest professional and operational standards and promote the safe operation of ferry services in Canada.

The Canadian Ferry Operators Association (CFOA) has joined in 'Green Marine', a joint Canada-U.S. environmental initiative. “Canada’s waterways are the lifeblood of our members,” said Serge Buy, CEO of CFOA. Green Marine was founded in 2007 by major marine industry associations, ports and shipping companies in Canada and the U.S. and its voluntary environmental program encourages participants to improve their environmental performance by undertaking concrete and measurable actions.

Captain Mike Carter has been honoured with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for contribution to Canada's ferry industry. The award was presented by Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, the Honourable Judith Guichon. Captain Carter has been involved in Canada’s ferry industry since 1966 and has served in various capacities within BC Ferries including Senior Master and Executive Vice-President before retiring in 2010. He was also involved in the Canadian Ferry Operators Association (CFOA) for over a decade, serving as President of the Association from 1995 to 1997. “Captain Carter’s remarkable contribution to Canada’s ferry industry deserves this recognition,” said Serge Buy, CEO of CFOA.

Canadian Ferry Operators Association CFOA Board of Directors & Senior Management meeting joined by government officers. During this meeting, representatives from the Board of Directors met with Senator Dennis Dawson, Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Transport and Communications and M.P. Larry Miller, Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. These productive meetings focused on the role of the ferry sector in Canada.

Susan Schrempf, President and CEO of the Owen Sound Transportation Company was honored with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. Throughout Ms. Schrempf’s tenure with the Owen Sound Transportation Company and Ontario Northland Transportation Commission, she has played a key role in Canada’s transportation industry. She is the past-president and 2nd vice-chair of the Canadian Ferry Operators Association (CFOA). “Susan has been an integral part of Canada’s transportation industry for many years, and we are very happy to see her receive this recognition,” said Serge Buy, CEO of CFOA. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal marks the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the throne in 1952. The medal honors significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.

The Canadian Ferry Operators Association (CFOA) announce its team to lead the organization into 2013. CFOA is a member-based organization representing Canadian ferry owners and operators across the country. Ferries are an integral part of Canada’s transportation system. CFOA has more than 60 members, accounting for nearly all the major ferry routes in Canada. ·         Captain Jamie Marshall, Chair – British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. "“We look forward to working together to…