I live on Texada Island. When I first arrived our local ferries were part of our highway system, although we did pay a “toll” for their use. At that time we had an active iron-ore mine, limestone quarries and logging operations. In other words, we were actively providing our government coffers with many tax dollars. CIBC had a bank here.
A political play in 2003 had our government “upgrade” the appearance of its books by privatizing the coastal ferry fleet. It removed debt from government books and put it on “private” books to “improve service and shield taxpayers from future debt,” as it stated at the time. It was smoke and mirrors.
At the time we paid a very expensive, non-Canadian CEO named David Hahn to make the fleet profitable. Instead, our ferry became so expensive many island residents cut back their use and/or changed to walk-on fares.
Meanwhile, the corporation pursued non-dependent travel dollars with the creation of its “coastal getaways,” and promoted the fleet in the appearance of cruise ships rather than the original highway it was intended for. When fares reached a tipping point, the number of ferry runs were reduced, further impairing the coastal highway.
Northern rural economies have always had challenges with freight cost and location. Privatization of our ferries can be in the bumper sticker: “BC Ferries, sinking coastal economies.”
I suggest the coast is the tourism jewel of BC. If you do not support local resident populations, the businesses that attract tourism cannot survive the offseason.
North Island Princess is the oldest boat in the fleet and is now suffering more regularly with mechanical difficulties. Last week, a tugboat accompanied it to ensure crossing.
How do we invite people to our island with the concern they may be stranded along the way? They have already committed many travel dollars to get to our doorstep. North Island Princess is very often late due to berthing conflicts with Queen of Burnaby.
We also face a new economic challenge as the tax rules for BC credit unions change. Cooperative organizations grew during the depression to provide members with services not available from governments. Unlike banks, credit unions are non-profit, democratically run, invest in their communities and pay dividends to their members.
Credit unions have been integral in supporting rural communities. CIBC left Texada many years ago due to downsizing decisions put in place far away from our island. First Credit Union moved in to fill CIBC’s gap. Credit unions support their memberships.
Meanwhile, the BC Liberals are again set to impair smaller rural economies by increasing taxes on our credit unions, which ultimately will decrease their ability to distribute capital.
Isn’t it time the BC government stepped up and supported smaller rural economies?
Leslie Goresky has resided on Texada Island since 1972.
