With new amendments, BC government looks to "enshrine public interest" in ferry service model

The Province is looking to change some of
the oversight that is in place for BC Ferries

The way that the province watches over BC Ferries is about to change with the introduction of some amendments to the Coastal Ferries Act on Wednesday, changes that Minister Claire Trevena says will better serve the needs of those living in coastal communities.

The revised focus for oversight on BC Ferries comes in the way of amendments to the Coast Ferry Act will make changes in a number of areas. Some of the highlights of the amendments include:

That it require the BC Ferries commissioner to prioritize public interest when regulating ferry services, including consideration of the Province’s greenhouse gas emission targets

Facilitates the participation of consumer advocates in the BC Ferry commissioner’s regulatory processes to consider the needs of people in the review of ferry services

Increases the number of BC Ferry Authority directors appointed by government from two to four, to bring a greater public interest perspective to the role of BC Ferries’ shareholders 

Ensures that the BC Ferry Authority oversees the strategic direction of BC Ferries in support of public interest including safe, reliable and affordable coastal ferry services in British Columbia 

Requires the BC Ferry Authority to set term limits when appointing directors to the BC Ferry Services Board, to improve the oversight of BC Ferries

Expands definition of ‘executive’ at BC Ferries to include ‘vice-presidents,’ to provide greater transparency and oversight of executive compensation.

Once they are put into place, the amendments will serve to re-frame the BC Ferries model to better reflect the public interest, framing the services as an integral part of the province's transportation network.

The Redlin Report on
Coastal Ferries provided for
much of the focus for the
new amendments to the Ferries Act

The amendments are based in part on the findings and recommendations from the recently released Redlin Report on Coastal Ferries.

Following the introduction of the Legislation on Wednesday, the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure made note of the dependence that coastal communities have on BC Ferries and the impact that decisions on service have on them.

“British Columbians deserve a ferry service model that puts people first. People living in coastal communities depend on the vital service provided by BC Ferries, but for many years they experienced service cuts and climbing fares. Our amendments to the Coastal Ferry Act will put people at the heart of decision making.”

Ms. Trevena recently announced a number of changes that the province has instructed BC Ferries to take on to provide for better service, though for the North Coast and Haida Gwaii, the timeline of the roll out of the new service program is facing a few delays.

Some background on Wednesday's announcement can be reviewed here.

For more items of note related to Marine Transportation on the North Coast see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review