The NDP government has introduced amendments to the Coastal Ferry Act to reflect some of the recommendations from the recent review of the ferry service by former deputy minister Blair Redlin.
Transportation Minister Claire Trevena said the changes will ensure BC Ferries better serves the needs of people in coastal communities.
“British Columbians deserve a ferry service model that puts people first,” said Trevena. “People living in coastal communities depend on the vital service provided by BC Ferries, but for many years they experienced service cuts and climbing fares. Our amendments to the Coastal Ferry Act will put people at the heart of decision making.”
According to Trevena, the amendments, if passed, would:
• Require the BC Ferries commissioner to prioritize public interest when regulating ferry services, including consideration of the province’s greenhouse gas emission targets.
• Facilitate the participation of consumer advocates in the BC Ferry commissioner’s regulatory processes to consider the needs of people in the review of ferry services.
• Increase the number of BC Ferry Authority directors appointed by government from two to four, to bring a greater public interest perspective to the role of BC Ferries’ shareholders.
• Ensure that the BC Ferry Authority oversees the strategic direction of BC Ferries in support of public interest including safe, reliable and affordable coastal ferry services in British Columbia.
• Require the BC Ferry Authority to set term limits when appointing directors to the BC Ferry Services Board, to improve the oversight of BC Ferries.
• Expand definition of “executive” at BC Ferries to include “vice-presidents,” to provide greater transparency and oversight of executive compensation.
