July 2, 2020 – Gatineau, Quebec – Public Services and Procurement Canada and Transport Canada
Canadians in Eastern Quebec and Atlantic Canada, as well as tourists and businesses, rely on safe and efficient ferry services to support vibrant and sustainable communities and economies.
Today, the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, and the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, announced that the Government of Canada has issued an Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN), signalling its intention to purchase the Motor Vessel (MV) Villa de Teror as an interim measure to replace the MV Madeleine.
The MV Madeleine is 39 years old and is at the end of its service life, and last year the Government of Canada announced that Chantier Davie Canada Inc. will build a replacement vessel, which is expected to be ready in 2026.
However, an interim solution is required to ensure continued reliable, predictable, and safe ferry service to the residents of Îles-de-la-Madeleine. As a result, Transport Canada intends to purchase the MV Villa de Teror to deliver the service during the summer of 2021 until 2026.
Once the purchase has been completed, Transport Canada intends to rename the MV Villa de Teror as the MV Madeleine II. When the permanent replacement built by Chantier Davie enters into service, the Government will sell the MV Villa de Teror (MV Madeleine II).
The Government of Canada is also pleased to announce that the permanent replacement for the MV Madeleine II will be named the MV Jean Lapierre.
Through this procurement process, the ACAN allows other interested suppliers with a ferry that meets Transport Canada minimum operational requirements to submit a statement of capabilities before a contract is awarded. Other interested suppliers have 15 calendar days from today to submit a Statement of Capabilities to show they meet the requirements laid out in the ACAN.