If there is any bright spot in the challenge posed by the need to fight for equitable ferry service, it is that the situation has posed the perfect circumstance to measure and to exercise the principles of democracy by which people live.
By pushing for sweeping cuts, fare increases and surcharges, the very economic vitality of every community on the BC Coast stands to be seriously undermined by BC Ferries.
The cutbacks have picked away at communities’ sensibilities, bit by bit, at long last stirring the collective indignation of BC oceanside dwellers. Not only in Powell River, but in every community on the BC Coast that relies on ferry service to some degree for its vitality, people have come together en force and in principle to exercise democracy.
In a democracy, every citizen has basic rights that the government cannot take away. Everyone has the right to assemble and to protest government actions in a peaceful manner.
Federalism, or decentralization, is another principle of Canadian democracy. Decentralization ensures that power will be distributed more or less evenly throughout the country and throughout each province and region, respectively. According to this democratic principle, government function should be performed by the lowest level of government that is capable of doing so effectively. It brings government to the people, allowing local communities a certain amount of control over their own affairs. Under the tenets of Federalism, only a federal governing body is allowed to manage trade. By removing equitable, effective ferry service, the ability of coastal communities to engage in effective commerce and trade is unquestionably subrogated. Local concerns are thought to be best taken on by local or provincial governments because they presumably know best how to manage the needs of its citizens.
In a democracy, citizens, executive bodies and government must respect the law, the constitution and the will of the people.
In an effective democracy, authority flows from the people and is based upon the consent of the people. The people are sovereign. The people are the highest authority and their government is based on the will of said people. Elected representatives at the national and local levels must listen to the people and be responsive to their needs.
Democratic participation involves voting, debating issues, attending meetings in the interests of the community and, when necessary, protesting—peacefully and in respect of the law.
By rite of the principles that the BC Ferries Coalition stands for and the resounding support that has been clearly stated by the citizens of coastal BC, the message is clear: this community refuses to be allowed to die.
