Public Works Minister Fred Tilley said the government is still working on a contract extension for the CAT ferry.
With just over two months left on the current agreement, there’s still no deal between the province and the government of the United States, who own the vessel used by Bay Ferries Limited.
The ferry carries up to 866 passengers to and from Bar Harbour, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. A study published by the Government of Nova Scotia in February 2026 showed the ferry plays a significant role in the economy of both the local area and the province, and that a majority of the users are American tourists.
In a press conference earlier this summer, Tilley said he understands the importance of the ferry to the province, and that he’s working on finding a solution that works for Nova Scotians.
Speaking with the media on Aug. 6, Tilley said he expects to have more information “very soon.”
“The main goal obviously, is a longer term deal,” said Tilley. “But to get there we may need a shorter term deal.”
The current agreement expires at the end of the 2026 season. If no deal were to be in place, the ferry’s last trip would be on October 14.
