In May 2011, in light of public concerns about rising ferry fares, Mr. Gord Macatee, BC Ferries Commissioner, announced that he would be conducting a comprehensive review of the Coastal Ferry Act. In order to enable the commissioner in his review of the Act, the provincial government established an interim price cap of 4.15 per cent on all routes for 2012/13 and provided the commissioner with the mandate and resources to recommend changes to better balance the interest of ferry users with the financial sustainability of BC Ferries. The commissioner will finalize his report to the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure by early 2012.
During the review, the commissioners will be holding general meetings with stakeholders and the public in ferry-dependent communities.
In addition, the commissioner is publishing several discussion papers on key issues to be considered during his review and invites additional public input via written submissions or comments on these issues.
Click here for the first discussion paper on the existing six policy principles contained in section 38 of the Act.
Click here for the second discussion paper that relates to an amendment to the Coastal Ferry Act in 2010 that added a requirement for the commissioner to “consider the interests of ferry users.”
Click here for the third discussion paper on the policy principle of financial sustainability of ferry operators and how it is applied.
Click here for the commissioners’ schedule or check or listen to your local media outlets.
