Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight Nova Scotia's exceptional tourism season this past summer.
While the final numbers are still being tallied, Nova Scotia is on track to having the best tourism season ever, with over a million visitors enjoying what our beautiful province has to offer.
The Yarmouth and Acadian Shores region in West Nova saw a 17% increase in tourist traffic this year, in large part, due to the new The CAT ferry between Yarmouth and Portland, Maine, and the Fundy Rose between Digby and Saint John.
Many small business owners and tourism operators in my riding have had a banner year.
Supporting these ferries is vital to the growth and prosperity of Atlantic Canada. They get our products to market and bring visitors to our shores.
I look forward to continuing to work with colleagues from all levels of government, to ensure the viability and sustainability of these important ferry links.