WHEREAS UBCM has resolved to lobby the provincial government to: a. recognize our coastal ferry services as essential extensions of our provincial public highway system and provide the independent BC Ferry Commission with a mandate to provide comprehensive recommendations aimed at creating equity between our terrestrial and marine highways; and b. ensure that BC Ferry fares are reduced and current service levels are maintained at current levels until such time as the provincial government implements legislation that recognizes our coastal ferry services as essential extensions of our provincial public highway system and creates equity between BCs terrestrial and marine highway systems; AND WHEREAS the BC Ferry Commissioners 2012 report on the Coastal Ferry Act contains recommendations that are inconsistent with UBCM policy, as described above, including: a. The Commissioners 11th recommendation, which calls for a price cap at the rate of inflation. As ferry fares are already well past the tipping point of affordability, if implemented, this recommendation would not create equity between our terrestrial and marine highways and would instead ensure that fares remained unaffordable in perpetuity; and b. The Commissioners 9th and 16th recommendations which, if implemented, would give the Commissioner the mandate to reduce core ferry service levels: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UCBM insist that the Government of BC rejects any recommendations, and abandons any plans, to increase ferry fares andor reduce core ferry service levels, as such actions would have irreparable negative impacts on the economic wellbeing of Coastal British Columbia; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that UBCM continue to lobby the Government of BC to implement legislation that recognizes our coastal ferry services as essential extensions of our provincial public highway system and creates equity between BCs terrestrial and marine highway systems.
Ministry of Transportation Infrastructure The Province recognizes that ferries are part of our provincial transportation network and are important to many British Columbians. We have a world class ferry system in British Columbia and we are going to work together to ensure we also have a financially-sustainable and affordable ferry service for the long-term. To achieve this end, taxpayers, users and the ferry operator need to work together to find ways to link coastal communities affordably and efficiently. This is why the Province committed to a community engagement process. It is not easy in these tough economic times for government to increase its support for coastal ferry services. However, this Government has found 79.5 million over four years to reduce the pressure on fares. We have also asked BC Ferries to increase its operational efficiencies - 15 million over four years. BC taxpayers, regardless of where they live, are expected to contribute more than 180 million this year to support coastal ferry services.