With fare rates on B.C. Ferries expected to rise on April 1, NDP ferries critic Gary Coons says the Liberal government is taking too long to react to recommendations on how to improve the service’s transparency and accountability.
An independent review of B.C. Ferries was released last fall by comptroller general Cheryl Wenezenki-Yolland, who made more than 20 recommendations on how the corporation could improve planning, governance, opportunities for efficiencies and funding. She also criticized executives for excessive financial compensation.
Coons said the Liberals’ failure to react is costing coastal communities.
“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,” he said. “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.”
Major routes are expected to see a three per cent rate increase while minor routes will see nearly a six per cent jump in April.
Transportation minister Shirley Bond said she is still considering the report and its recommendations.
“We are currently reviewing the comptroller general’s recommendations from her comprehensive review of B.C. Ferries and Translink,” said Bond in a written statement to the News Bulletin.
“B.C. Ferries is extremely well run, but our goal is to make it as transparent and accountable as possible. If necessary, we will consider changes to the legislation governing B.C. Ferries.”
The province’s throne speech earlier this monthl hinted that changes to the Coastal Ferries Act were coming.
According to Coons, fares have increased 40 per cent on major routes and 60 per cent on minor routes since 2003.
“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.”
Coons added that the trend of higher fares resulting in lower ridership will likely continue and that a seven-per cent increase in food prices on ferries will also deter customers.
Some of the recommendations made by Wenezenki-Yolland include:
- B.C. Ferry Authority board members should not sit on the B.C. Ferry Services board of directors;
- The authority should exercise shareholder powers, including appointment and renewal of board members using competency-based criteria;
- Increase responsibilities of the B.C. Ferry Commission to protect the interests of ratepayers and customers;
- Make the corporation and B.C. Ferry Authority subject to Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
In 2008, Coons introduced a member’s bill called the Fair Ferries Act, which asked for similar changes.
By Toby Gorman
Published: February 17, 2010 3:00 PM