ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Newfoundland and Labrador's energy minister is blaming the federal government for a hike in the price of ferry tickets from mainland Canada.

Andrew Parsons says he has long asked Ottawa to revisit its funding structure with Marine Atlantic -- a federal Crown corporation -- so travel between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland is more affordable.

Parsons notes that the province's terms of union with Canada require the federal government to provide freight and passenger service between Newfoundland and the Maritimes.

He says he thinks his government should look at the legal options available to remedy the situation.

Marine Atlantic says its fuel surcharge will increase to 17 per cent of travel fares from 13 per cent, effective June 1.

Spokesman Darrell Mercer says that price hike represents an $8 increase for a family of four with a vehicle, and a $17 increase for a drop-trailer transport truck.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 27, 2023.

The Canadian Press