NDP government introduces changes to Coastal Ferry Act

Transportation Minister Rob Fleming has introduced new legislation this week that will follow up on the guidance of the 2019 Coastal Ferry Review by Blair Redin, with the NDP Government introducing a Change to the Coastal Ferry Act on Wednesday.

The Minister tabled the bill in the Legislature Chamber on Wednesday, 

With the bill introduced, more background on the plans and the debate related to the bill will soon get underway, with framework of the changes designed  to support the long term development for the ferry system has been explained as follows.

The legislative amendments will build on the changes made in 2019 by ensuring the authority is better positioned to help work with BC Ferries through challenges resulting from COVID-19, and to support the corporation’s longer-term strategies for the development of the ferry system. 

 The changes will enable the authority to issue binding resolutions on matters it considers in the public interest. Changes also require the B.C. Ferry Authority to consult with the Public Sector Employers Council and develop executive compensation plans, to ensure BC Ferries’ executive compensation levels do not exceed those provided to similar executives in the B.C. public sector.

Towards keeping the public informed on the work of the Ferry Authority, the government outlined its plans towards more transparency when it comes to their work.

To ensure transparency, the authority will be required to publicly report on its resolutions, and BC Ferries will include in its annual reporting the actions it has taken in response to the resolutions. 

The B.C. Ferry Authority is established by the Coastal Ferry Act as the sole voting shareholder of BC Ferries.

The information release hailing the new legislation can be reviewed here.

North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice, relayed some of her themes on the proposed changes through her social media platform earlier today.

You can learn more about the BC Ferry Authority here.

More notes on BC Ferries can be reviewed here.