Whereas Ferry Advisory Committees provide route-specific input and advocacy and exist as part of BC Ferries strategic goal to be customer and community centred; And whereas BC Ferries has dissolved the Ferry Advisory Committees; And whereas the BC Governments Coastal Ferry Services Contract, last amended on March 31, 2024, states that it is committed to ongoing engagement in support of provincial reconciliation efforts: Therefore be it resolved that the UBCM advocate to the BC government to amend the Coastal Ferry Services Contract and include a provision for BC Ferries to develop an engagement framework that meaningfully considers input from local governments and Indigenous communities that rely on the BC Ferry System.
Ministry of Transportation and Transit The Ministry recognizes that effective, transparent, and inclusive engagement is essential to supporting ferry-dependent communities. Clauses 6.01 and 6.02 of the Coastal Ferry Services Contract CFSC require BC Ferries to retain a professional consulting organization, independent of BC Ferries, to conduct and complete customer satisfaction surveys for designated ferry routes. In addition, BC Ferries new community engagement framework, Lets Connect was launched on May 1, 2025 to replace the Ferry Advisory Committee model. Developed through a four-month consultation process involving more than 2,700 participants and extensive outreach to communities, governments, Indigenous Nations, and other interest holders, the framework introduces a consistent, accessible, and transparent approach to engagement. BC Ferries states that the new framework emphasizes clearer engagement purposes and outcomes, stronger local and project-specific representation, hybrid participation options, improved communication, and strengthened relationships with all levels of government. Lets Connect will be subject to regular review to ensure it continues to meet community and organizational needs. BC Ferries is required under provincial policy and legislation to engage with Indigenous Nations in a manner consistent with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Beyond contractual and legislative requirements, BC Ferries has taken steps to strengthen Indigenous engagement. This includes the establishment of an Indigenous relations function and team to support respectful, ongoing relationships with First Nations across more than 80 communities where the ferry system operates, with a focus on cultural recognition, economic participation, and meaningful engagement on projects and policies. source: Indigenous Relations BC Ferries The Ministry will continue to work with BC Ferries, the BC Ferries Commissioner, local governments, and Indigenous partners to strengthen engagement practices and improve information sharing. Any potential amendments to the CFSC would require careful consideration of existing contractual, regulatory, and governance frameworks, including the role of the independent Commissioner. The Ministry remains open to continued dialogue with ferry-dependent communities and UBCM on opportunities to enhance engagement within the current oversight structure. Indigenous Relations BC Ferries URL: https:www.bcferries.comour-companyindigenous-relations