North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney has added her voice to those of coastal residents and community leaders who are concerned about a recent decision to force ferry passengers out of their vehicles and into busy passenger decks in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Blaney, in a media release, stated she delivered a letter to federal transportation minister Marc Garneau, urging him to either extend the exemption allowing passengers to remain in their vehicles, or show coastal residents the data and research that suggests ending the exemption at the current time is in the best interests of public safety.
“The people in my riding use ferries to access vital services, including seeking medical attention, sometimes as far away as Vancouver,” wrote Blaney. “No one in that vulnerable position should be forced onto the passenger decks in close proximity with others.”
Blaney stated she is frustrated that the Transport Canada decision came as a surprise to the provincial government and those in ferry-dependent communities.
“We are ferry people,” she stated. “The minister in Ottawa needs to talk to us before he makes decisions that specifically affect us.”
