Independence of Commission

The  commissioner and up to two deputy commissioners are appointed by the Province as independent statutory officers.

They do not answer to the Premier, Cabinet, Minister of Transport or Attorney General, or BC Ferry Authority.  They are free to say publicly what they think about ferry services and related matters. Their decisions cannot be appealed, except on a question of law.

The Coastal Ferry Act contains provisions to ensure their independence, as follows.

They may be terminated onlyfor:

  • mental infirmity;
  • conviction for an indictable offence under Canada’s criminal code; or
  • a judicial finding of conflict of interest or material breach of duties or obligations.

    • The Act prohibits them from having a beneficial interest in a financial security of a ferry operator, or in its construction contracts.  They cannot have a significant beneficial interest in competitors to BC Ferries or in equipment or processes that ferry operators use.

    Their remuneration or terms of appointment cannot be changed without their approval.

    You will find career profiles of the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner under the “Commissioners” button on the left.

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