Once again Gordon Campbell has put political rhetoric ahead of real relief for ferry dependent communities, New Democrat Ferries Critic Gary Coons said today.
“Slightly reduced fares and restoration of service for a mere two months is an embarrassing response to the long-term damage caused by the Campbell government,” said Coons. “Ever since the B.C. Liberals privatised our ferry system, it has been nothing but broken promises, skyrocketing fares and service reductions. The announcement yesterday does nothing to repair the damage already done.”
As part of Gordon Campbell’s ten-point plan on the economy, he announced a 33 per cent reduction in ferry fares for December and January, as well as a restoration of ferry routes, including the Sunshine Coast runs, for that time frame.
Coons said that yesterday’s announcement highlights Gordon Campbell’s lack of credibility. “Gordon Campbell and Kevin Falcon constantly hide behind their claim that BC Ferries is an ‘arms length’ corporation; that they cannot interfere with the actions of the Ferries Corporation.
“Clearly, yesterday’s intervention by the premier into the operation of B.C. Ferries is proof that their claim is just a sham, an excuse so that they don’t have to act.”
Nicholas Simons, New Democrat MLA for Powell River – Sunshine Coast, added that the residents along the Sunshine Coast need more than a two month commitment for restored ferry service.
“This is really ridiculous,” said Simons. “The communities on the Coast will get a two month reprieve from service reductions, but what happens after that? I certainly hope the community will not have to go through this whole mess again in February. That doesn’t make any sense.
“At a public meeting just a few days ago people from the Sunshine Coast packed a community hall to tell the B.C. Liberals and B.C. Ferries just what service reductions mean to their lives and families. Clearly no one was listening,” said Simons.
“The premier’s arrogance is shining through,” said Simons. “He is completely out of touch with the real challenges facing ferry dependent communities – he just doesn’t get it.”
Coons said what British Columbians want is a long-term strategy that supports ferry dependent communities. “Yesterday we learned Gordon Campbell and Kevin Falcon can dictate to BC Ferries, contrary to their previous denials. So now it is time for them to make a real commitment to fix the damage they’ve done. And a two month political ploy is not the answer people need.”
REALITY CHECK: B.C. LIBERAL FLIP-FLOP ON “INDEPENDENCE” OF FERRIES CORPORATION
Here are just a few reminders of what B.C. Liberal Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon has been saying on the “independence” of the B.C. Ferries Corporation.
It looks like B.C. Ferries is only “independent” when it is convenient for the Campbell government.
Now that we know it’s a sham, the premier should immediately step-in and be accountable to the needs of ferry dependent communities.
Falcon: “The ferry corporation has been structured so that it’s independent of direct political interference.” (Hansard, April 15, 2008)
Falcon: “We will not be micromanaging the decisions of the B.C. ferry corporation. They are to make their decisions in the best interests not of politicians…” (Hansard, April 15, 2008)
Falcon: “I expressed my comments to the chair, fully recognizing the chair doesn’t have to listen to my comments. The board is independent of government. We structured it that way and that’s important. It may be frustrating sometimes, as it may have been the other day when I had the conversation, I also reflect that it’s still the right decision.” (TC, April 16, 2008)