VICTORIA – The B.C. Liberals are failing to act on an independent review of B.C. Ferries even as ferry fares are set to climb higher on April 1, say the New Democrats.
“Cities, towns and First Nations communities up and down the coast have been devastated by skyrocketing fares since the B.C. Liberals privatized our ferries in 2003,” said New Democrat ferries critic Gary Coons. “Meanwhile, fares are set to climb even higher and the B.C. Liberals have done nothing since the province’s comptroller released an audit of the semi-private corporation last fall.”
Coons was responding to news this week that the commission that regulates fares has allowed for a nearly three per cent increase on major routes and close to six per cent on minor routes. Fares have already gone up by 40 per cent on major routes and 60 per cent on minor routes since 2003.
When the B.C. Liberals announced a review of B.C. Ferries in July, Finance Minister Colin Hansen said, “we must ensure that services provided to ratepayers are done so in a way that is financially sustainable and provides maximum value for all British Columbians.”
“If the B.C. Liberals want to keep their promise to make fares sustainable, they need to act on the findings of the Comptroller’s report,” said Coons. “So far we’ve seen nothing from the government, which means business as usual – higher fares and zero accountability.
“Ridership has already dropped as fares have increased. That trend will likely continue.”
Coons said the public has no idea what is happening at B.C. Ferries since the B.C. Liberals hid it from view and excluded it from the Freedom of Information Act.
“Making matters worse, B.C. Ferries expenses for items such as safety equipment will increase with the HST,” said Coons. “And customers will be paying seven per cent more for food on the Ferries. It’s just one more way that British Columbians will pay for the B.C. Liberals’ HST betrayal.”
Carole James and New Democrats will continue to hold the B.C. Liberals to account for skyrocketing fares and will fight for British Columbians when the government brings forward HST legislation in March.
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