Premier John Hogan has written Prime Minister Mark Carney urging him to act “swiftly” on his campaign promise to reduce Marine Atlantic fees “by at least half.”

Carney made the announcement while on the campaign trail in April, but with the summer tourism season in full swing there has been no movement on that promise.

In his letter, Hogan says he was reminded of the importance of the ferry system during a recent trip to Port aux Basques, and the dependence the province has on it for transportation, tourism, and the shipment of goods.

He argues reducing the fees will have an “immediate” impact on the cost of living, and reduce trade barriers for the province.

Hogan says geography is Newfoundland and Labrador’s “greatest barrier” to interprovincial trade, and reducing fees on Marine Atlantic will help “level the playing field.”