For Immediate Release
VICTORIA—North Coast MLA Gary Coons is concerned that the ‘proposed’ BC Ferries new service from Tsawwassen to Prince Rupert will have a huge impact on jobs and the economy in Prince Rupert and the entire region.
“With no business case in hand and no real plan, this seems like a shot in the dark, one that we may not be able to afford,” says Coons. “With about 20 less sailings coming to Prince Rupert I am sure those in our community and on Haida Gwaii will feel the impact. Whether it is hotel rooms, meals, tourist activities or service providers, we will definitely feel the crunch. Just as we find out that the HST will hit tourism businesses with a 5% increase (according to the Council of Tourism Associations report) and that thousands of jobs will be lost in the province due to the HST, BC Ferries flies a trial balloon that will only add to the turmoil.”
Coons notes that there needs to a comprehensive plan with the backup numbers to ensure that those that live and work on the North Coast have confidence in the initiative and have been fully consulted. The North Coast MLA wants the ferry corporation to do an analysis of the impact that changes would have on Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii, and the entire circle route from Prince Rupert through to Terrace, Smithers, Prince George and back down south.
“For a while now I have been sceptical about the “Tsawwassen Plan”, says Coons. “This summer Prince Rupert lost about 20 summer jobs for students as BC Ferries changed their hiring practices and hired from down south. This hiring policy must be revisited so that kids returning home for the summer have an opportunity for employment. It also seems that those trained to work on the new Northern Expedition appeared to be employees from outside of Rupert with few locals trained for the new vessel.”
Coons is concerned that BC Ferries is planning to move the ‘point of assembly’ from Prince Rupert to Tsawwassen, which could mean the loss of as many as one hundred casual and seasonal employees and perhaps several fulltime employees.
“Prince Rupert cannot afford to lose one job out of community,” said Coons. “We must ensure BC Ferries’ initiatives and policies reflect the public good. BC Ferries needs to consult with impacted communities before reducing sailings and moving workers.”
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