ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Prime Minister Stephen Harper took part in the unveiling of a ferry today in St. John's that will travel across the Cabot Strait between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.
The MV Blue Puttees is scheduled to go into service by the end of the month -- the first of two vessels chartered by Crown corporation Marine Atlantic.
The second vessel, the MV Highlanders, is scheduled to begin service this spring.
The ferries, which can carry up to 1,000 passengers and crew and more than 500 standard-sized automobiles, replace two smaller, aging ferries.
Harper is making a quick stop in St. John's before heading to Halifax for the opening of the Canada Winter Games.
