A Newfoundland and Labrador MP says it's unfair that a federal government tip of the hat to military personnel is not being extended to a Crown ferry service.

Via Rail is offering free travel on its trains in June to members and veterans of the Armed Forces, as a gesture of thanks for service to Canada.

Gerry Byrne wants a Via Rail program for military personnel and veterans to be extended to include Marine Atlantic.
(CBC)

Gerry Byrne, the Liberal MP representing the western Newfoundland riding of Humber–St. Barbe–Baie Verte, said the same offer should extend to Marine Atlantic, the Crown corporation that runs the ferry service connecting southern Newfoundland with Nova Scotia.

"I can understand where Marine Atlantic would want to have some indemnification if they lose revenue as a result of this," Byrne said.

"They'll want to have that revenue replaced by the federal government. That's, I'm certain, the case with Via Rail."

Byrne said it is unfair that the gesture is not being offered in his province.

Byrne said, though, that the federal government does not support the idea. He said there is not much time left to extend the service to the ferries.

A representative for Transport Canada said Monday, though, that the federal government did not direct Via Rail to make the offer, and has had no role to play.

"This decision by VIA Rail to offer free fares to veterans and current soldiers during the month of July was initiated by the company," the official said, adding that the decision to follow suit on the ferries rests with Marine Atlantic's board.

Via Rail runs trains between British Columbia and Nova Scotia. The rail line across Newfoundland was dismantled in the late 1980s.