Whereas BC Ferries Services Inc., created by provincial legislation, is committed to support the economy, community sustainability and to partnering with labour to promote and support innovation through ferry service delivery, with changes in ferry service delivery having the potential for dire impacts on coastal and island community sustainability and the provincial economy; And whereas an equitable, transparent, accessible and consistent consultation process for adjusting sailing service levels with system users, stakeholders and tax payers is non-existent: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the provincial government to commit to develop a provincial vision and plan as recommended in the Redlin 2018 report, reviewing coastal ferry services, that has a broad scope, examines big ideas for change, considers challenges for improved service to the north coast and other underserved communities, and that said new vision and plan is to be enshrined in the Coastal Ferry Act and to the extent possible in the Coastal Ferry Services Contract.
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure In response to the 2018 Redlin report, the ministry undertook an extensive public engagement process to establish a provincial vision for coastal ferry services. To build on the provincial vision, the ministry is committed to working with BC Ferries and its shareholder, the BC Ferry Authority, which is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of BC Ferries to support the public interest. The Coastal Ferry Services Contract with BC Ferries will be renewed in June 2023 as part of the legislated process outlined in the Coastal Ferry Act. That process began with BC Ferries Performance Term 6 PT6 submission that includes planned service level increases to address congestion on routes experiencing significant sailing waits. Further, BC Ferries new Board Chair, Joy McPhail, has indicated that it is time for renewal, fresh ideas and a renewed commitment to the highest standards of customer service, safety and affordability. Vision URL: https:news.gov.bc.careleases2020TRAN0148-001777 BC Ferries Performance Term 6 URL: https:www.bcferrycommission.cacommissioner-begins-price-cap-setting-pro…