NDP slams Liberal plans for ferry passengers

 

North Island MLA and BC Ferries critic Claire Trevena says a Liberal party promise to give those who depend on the ferry a financial break, offers user nothing new. 

 

“It offers no relief. I mean it’s talking about a frequent user card. We have frequent user cards. People who are regularly using the ferry have an experience card. There’s no definition of how that’s going to expand or how that’s going to work” Trevena said in an interview with CHEK News. 

 

The Liberals say until the program is up and running there will be a new tax break for people living in ferry dependent communities like Quadra Island.

 

Individuals will save $250 if they spend $1000 a year on BC Ferry Fares.

 

“The tax rebate is a sad joke.” Trevena continued. “It costs users far more than $1000 to use the ferry regularly. It costs up to $5000, $6000. People aren’t going to see much there. It would be better money put into reducing the fares.”

 

Some people coming off Quadra Island today say they’re not impressed with the plan or the timing.

 

“I think it’s a waste of time. Anything the Liberals say, it’s election time. Too little too late, not enough never has been” said Joe Downy. 

 

“Well I’m already hearing it and people are laughing. They just don’t think it is at all serious. It shows the BC Liberals are completely out of touch with the reality for people. They’re out of touch with what people’s needs are, with the whole issue of affordability. They really think this whole thing is an election scam and they’re not going to buy it” said Trevena. 

 

The NDP will reveal its plan for BC Ferries on Thursday.