Discussion · Oral Questions
Gord Johns NDP
“The federal government pays for almost half of East Coast ferry costs, but only three percent for British Columbia. Ferry prices in B.C. are about to go up by 30 percent. I want the government to update its 50-year-old deal and give B.C. ferries fair funding.”
“Madam Speaker, British Columbians rallied last month demanding fair federal ferry funding. First nations, local governments, the B.C. Chamber of Commerce, unions and residents delivered the same message. Ottawa covers 43% of East Coast Ferries’ operating costs and invests hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure, which we support, but B.C. gets just 3% and loans that ferry users must repay. With fares facing 30% increases, will the government finally modernize B.C.’s 50-year-old agreement and fairly fund B.C.’s marine highway?”
Official Hansard
Madam Speaker, British Columbians rallied last month demanding fair federal ferry funding. First nations, local governments, the B.C. Chamber of Commerce, unions and residents delivered the same message. Ottawa covers 43% of East Coast Ferries’ operating costs and invests hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure, which we support, but B.C. gets just 3% and loans that ferry users must repay. With fares facing 30% increases, will the government finally modernize B.C.’s 50-year-old agreement and fairly fund B.C.’s marine highway?