The Provincial Government has decided to wait until March 31, 2014 before making a decision on cutbacks to BC Ferries routes around the province, including service to Prince Rupert and Skidegate.
This is great news for those on the islands who depend on the ferry, with the government previously expecting cuts to be seen after the May election.
The decision came after the Ministry of Transportation and Highways held consultation meetings in 30 communities last fall and decided more time was needed before a decision could be made.
"The consultation summary is a very detailed report. We'll be taking time to review it and to consider the feedback before making decisions about next steps. We have also committed to having further consultations with affected communities prior to making any specific service reductions," Kate Trotter, public affair officer for the Ministry of Transportation, said.
Many of the people surveyed during the consultation process stated routes are part of the province's highway system so service cuts shouldn't be one of the cost-savings measures, and if fees weren't so high ferry ridership would go up. These points were brought up by individuals during the consultation meeting held in Queen Charlotte in November.
"Would we consider closing a highway that existed in the Interior? Would we consider removing a bridge because it costs too much? Would we consider snow removal only for every second storm? I don't think we would, and the point that we keep driving home is that this is our highway," Mark Salzl said.
"We on Haida Gwaii have been paying toll on our marine highway ever since it was initiated, and the tolls are getting more and more, and surprise, surprise, the ridership is getting less and less," Elizabeth Condrotte said.
In the mean time, the Province has provided $7.1 million to BC Ferries to offset the foregone savings of not making further cuts. The Province will provide more than $180 million to BC Ferries this year.
North Coast MLA Gary Coons said the announcement is good news, however for the past decade BC Ferries has been a "rudderless ship" without a longterm vision.
“This is another sign that this Liberal government has never had a plan with BC Ferries. They continue to duck and cover,” Coons said.
“Before we look at any cutbacks to services to any route, we’ve got to sit down and basically do a forensic audit of BC Ferries, and look at the inefficiencies where we can save money... And move forward on that and move forward with the longterm vision.”
Coons said with seaplane flights to Haida Gwaii being cutback, any ferry cutbacks would have a serious impact on people on the islands.
“There’s a responsibility from both the provincial government and federal government through the subsidies they put into BC Ferries to ensure there’s reliable, affordable and safe transportation and it’s treated as part of the highway network. What we’ve seen over the last 10 or 12 years under this government is a ripping up of the social economic contract that we’ve had with communities, like those on Haida Gwaii,” he said.