Thank you for your service ... now pay up will ya?

BC Ferries will recognize
those who serve or have served
on Remembrance Day, but
that recognition comes
with conditions
(photo from BCF FB page)

If we were looking for the most tone deaf organization for 2020, let's all give some consideration to BC Ferries and their latest information update on their way to commemorate Remembrance Day, which seemingly puts a condition towards respect for those who have served, all depending on where they are living.

Today, BC Ferries announced the details of their plans to recognize military personnel with free passage on Remembrance Day. 

The provincial ferry service provider's way of saying Thank you to Active, Reserve and Retired Military personnel. 

A program which will see the Ferry Service offering up complimentary fares for those presenting official Canadian Military Identification or travelling in uniform.

As well, BC Ferries will offer the same free passage to British Columbia Seniors on Remembrance Day, with the presentation of a BC Services Card, BC Driver's Licence, BC Identification Card or Birth Certificate.

However, it's when you get to the fine print of their kind and respectful plan, that the slight against anyone who has served or continues to serve from the North Coast, Central Coast and Haida Gwaii comes into view ...

BC Ferries notes that these free fares are not applicable on the Inside Passage, Haida Gwaii and Central Coast Connector routes.

Now there are no statistics to share as to how many on the North Coast, Haida Gwaii or Central Coast might have wanted to book passage on that day, though we imagine that the numbers would not be particularly high.

So, why the decision for the division of the troops from north to south was made is a puzzling thing and one that should certainly be rectified quickly, preferably before November 11th rolls around.

For the goodwill that BC Ferries is looking to bring on such a Day as Remembrance Day, BC Ferries is certainly taking the wrong approach when it comes to those in the North.

This certainly seems like an issue for North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice and all of the Northwest MLA's to take up some interest in; the same goes for Prince Rupert City Council and North Coast Regional District,  perhaps they could collectively remind BC Ferries that they serve all of those who served, not a select group who live closer to the home office.

If you want to maybe urge them on to a more respectful decision, you can comment on their Twitter feed using their Pinned tweet for their announcement, to share some thoughts from the North.

The same goes for their Facebook Page which carries the same message.  

Or maybe give them a call at 1-888-BC Ferry  (1-888-223-3779)

For more notes on BC Ferries and their Northern Service see our archive page here.