VICTORIA – Arecent WorkSafe BC review of safety violations at BC Ferries gives the B.C. Liberal transportation minister an opportunity to prove he is not just more of the same and step in and ensure our ferries are safe. Passengers and workers on board our ferries can’t afford more of the same neglect from the B.C. Liberals, say the New Democrats.
“Since the B.C. Liberals privatized B.C. Ferries in 2003, we have seen tragedies and heard countless concerns about safety,” said New Democrat MLA Claire Trevena. “Under current conditions, coastal residents and workers don’t feel safe.
“The issue of asbestos on some of the vessels is just the latest concern, and Minister Blair Lekstrom must prove there will be changes in how our ferries are managed.”
The March 2011 review by WorkSafe BC upheld a series of orders and a fine issued by the Workers’ Compensation Board for violations related to asbestos in building material on several vessels. The ferry corporation was appealing the orders and the fine of $15,000 for safety violations that occurred in 2009; however, WorkSafe BC says a previous fine of $75,000 (the maximum allowed) for a 2003 violation was an aggravating factor in their decision.
“The B.C. Liberals must step in and tell the corporation to quit trying to skirt responsibility, and focus instead on making passengers and workers safe,” said Trevena, MLA for the North Island.
New Democrat Ferry critic Gary Coons said the sinking of the Queen of the North in March 22, 2006 was a devastating tragedy.
“Additionally, the Queen of Oak Bay has crashed into a dock at Horseshoe Bay, the Queen of Chilliwack had engine problems while caught in a storm for seven hours, and passengers have reported furniture shifting around and ceiling tiles falling in rough water on the Northern Adventure,” said Coons, MLA for North Coast.
“Safety concerns have been mounting, and a review of how B.C. Ferries has operated since the B.C. Liberals privatized our ferries is well overdue.”
Coons said the B.C. Liberal government has only looked at executive compensation, but failed to reign in the exorbitant salaries.
“We have been calling for a full review that looks at safety issues, fares, and all expenditures,” said Coons. “We need to ensure our ferries are affordable and sustainable for coastal communities.
“British Columbia needs reliable, safe transportation for our coastal communities, not another cruise line.”
B.C.’s New Democrats are offering real change British Columbians can trust, with compassionate, fair and pragmatic solutions to address B.C.’s social, economic and environmental challenges.