Sunshine Coast Regional District chair Bruce Milne says he welcomes the provincial government’s review of BC Ferries, but he’s disappointed that it won’t include the idea of making the ferry company a Crown corporation again.
“Many people see that as a major issue in terms of how to make the improvements,” Milne said. “I’m concerned that trying to get affordable fares that really meet the needs of the public will be difficult under the current model. By taking [the return to a Crown corporation] right off, it leaves a more limited scope for the reviewer to make suggestions.”
The provincial government announced Dec. 15 that it’s bringing in former deputy transportation minister Blair Redlin to head up the review.
Redlin, who also spent time as the CEO of the BC Transportation Financing Authority, will launch his review in January.
Transportation Minister Claire Trevena said the review is long overdue and will address concerns she’s been hearing for years.
Trevena added, though, “it is not looking for an excuse to bring BC Ferries back under government. It is looking at how we can ensure this marine highway works in the best public interest.”
Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons said the Crown corporation option was left out because of complications around changing the governance structure, and the NDP government wanted to focus on the top public concern, which he sees as responsiveness.
“The operational review is more of a paramount concern,” Simons said. “I think the terms of reference will cover what people are concerned about.”
Redlin’s terms of reference include:
• Examining whether the contracted ferry services are being provided for in a manner that supports the public interest.
• Considering what changes to the price cap and regulatory model would ensure the ferry system is working as efficiently and effectively as possible for all British Columbians and, in particular, for the ferry users and communities who depend on this essential service.
• Identifying opportunities and recommending actions to enhance ferry service delivery and/or reduce costs without impacting existing service.
Milne said he’s also disappointed that some groups were left off the list of key stakeholders Redlin must consult with.
“[The ministry] didn’t identify the public, or local governments, or the ferry advisory committees as key people to get input from,” said Milne.
“It would have given us more assurances that our views would be heard and not just the views of those currently running the system.”
Sunshine Coast Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC) chair Diana Mumford said the FAC hopes to provide comment from a community perspective. “At this point [FACs] do not appear to be included in the review process and we believe ferry users are impacted daily by the operations of BCF as it is our only transportation route on and off the Coast.”
Redlin’s terms of reference also note that there have already been a number of reviews of BC Ferries, leading to changes to the Coastal Ferry Act (CFA) in 2010, 2011 and 2012. However, “despite the changes to the CFA noted above, ferry users and coastal communities have raised significant concerns relating to the affordability of the service, BC Ferries policies, and service levels.”
Simons said he’s confident this review will be different, because the NDP is prepared to look at ideas the previous government wasn’t when it comes to fares and the contract between BC Ferries and the province.
“Previously in the public consultations, the reviews had a pre-conceived outcome – how do we find $24 million in savings, what do you think of the cuts we’re about to impose? I think this [review] is markedly different,” he said.
Redlin has until June 30, 2018 to file his final report, which is expected to cost about $250,000.
