Campbell government must ensure that B.C. Ferries is accountable to British Columbians: NDP
GIBSONS – Gordon Campbell and Kevin Falcon have failed to ensure B.C. Ferries is meeting the needs of the communities that rely on ferry service, Powell River – Sunshine Coast NDP MLA Nicholas Simons said today.
That’s the message coming from a town hall meeting held in Gibsons Monday evening, organized in response to the public anger over the reduction of ferry service
Nicholas Simons to the Sunshine Coast.
“There was a lot of frustration expressed by residents that travel back and forth to the mainland regularly – for work, for family, for recreational commitments,” said Simons. “It shows a complete lack of respect by the Campbell government and B.C Ferries that service was reduced without any notice or consultation.
“People are rightly upset with the arrogance of Gordon Campbell and Kevin Falcon. They are out of touch with the needs of coastal residents,” said Simons. “After all, it is the B.C. Liberals who privatized the ferry system; it is the B.C. Liberals that have allowed for skyrocketing fares and reduction in service.”
New Democrat Ferries Critic Gary Coons attended the meeting as well. “I heard the same frustration that I heard last night just a few months ago up in the Queen Charlottes when B.C. Ferries cuts their ferry service levels with no consultation.
Gary Coons“My office has been flooded with calls, emails and letters from people who feel their ferry service isn’t responsive to the needs of the people on the coast,” said Coons, the MLA for North Coast.
“I raised those concerns with the minister in August, and nothing changed,” said Coons. “The Campbell government continues to turn its back on coastal communities. We need accountability, not arrogance.”
More than 300 people attended last night’s meeting. Issues raised at the meeting ranged from getting to and from work, making it possible for youth sports teams to remain competitive and engaged, and tourism.
