Conservatives will establish a BC Ferries Charter, fight for BC’s fair share of federal ferry funding and bring reliable Wi-Fi to major routes and terminals.
VANCOUVER, B.C. — Conservative Party of BC Leader Lorne Doerkson announced today that a Conservative government will fix BC Ferries with a plan to make service more reliable and affordable. This plan is a core plank of the Conservative platform.
David Eby has devastated BC Ferries. After nine years of the NDP, British Columbians face cancelled sailings, overloaded routes and long waits. Meanwhile, the people running the corporation face no real accountability.
A Conservative government will establish a BC Ferries Charter, setting clear standards for reliability, on-time performance, capacity, affordability and customer service. The Charter will hold BC Ferries leadership accountable for meeting those standards and reduce redundancy at the board level, so more resources go into service instead of administration. Conservatives will also negotiate with Ottawa for BC’s fair share of federal ferry funding.
“For families on Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast and the Gulf Islands, the ferry is a lifeline, and the NDP has let it fall apart,” said Ryan Windsor, candidate for Saanich North and the Islands. “People rely on BC Ferries, and they deserve sailings that leave on time, have room for them and let them stay connected on board.”
A Conservative government will also bring dependable high-speed Wi-Fi to major routes and terminals. The service will be delivered through competitive private-sector procurement using modern satellite or cellular technology, with clear performance standards and no new burden on fares or taxpayers.
“These are serious times, and they call for strong leadership,” said Doerkson. “Coastal British Columbians have waited long enough. A Conservative government will deliver the reliable, accountable ferry service they have been promised for years.”
– 30 –
Media Contact:
Alex Shiff, Director of Media Relations
media@conservativebc.ca
