A Vancouver Island politician is adding her voice to the list of people concerned with a federal government rule affecting many passengers who ride BC Ferries.
Rachel Blaney, North Island-Powell River Member of Parliament, is calling on the federal government to revise existing rules requiring passengers in the enclosed vehicle decks to leave their vehicle while onboard a ferry.
“The reason this issue is so important is the reality that we’ve seen 1,000 infractions at the very least,” said Blaney Tuesday from her office in Ottawa.
Under current Transport Canada regulations, passengers cannot remain in their vehicle if it’s parked on an enclosed parking deck of a ferry – forcing BC Ferries passengers to exit their vehicles and head to the passenger lounge, which isn’t ideal during a deadly pandemic.
The rule had been in place before the pandemic arrived, but after it first hit B.C. back in March, Transport Canada lifted the requirement on a temporary basis.
In September, though, Transport Canada decided the impose the requirements once again, meaning passengers no longer have a choice.
Transport Canada says the rules are in place to protect passengers in the event of an emergency on the lower decks such as a fire.
But Blaney said that isn’t acceptable during a deadly pandemic and recently sent a letter to the federal transportation minister, Marc Garneau, regarding Transport Canada’s rules.
“I think it’s absolutely essential during these times that if people feel safer in their vehicles we recognize them and allow them,” she told CHEK News.
She’s also encouraging British Columbians to write to the transport minister as well.
We have to build up the momentum so that they understand that this is really serious and respect that jurisdiction. We are living here every day experiencing this and we need to be heard,” said Blaney.
Recently, it was revealed that more than 1,000 BC Ferries passengers have disobeyed Transport Canada’s regulations.
BC Ferries says its employees have been reminding passengers of the federal government rules and if they don’t comply, their information is forwarded to Transport Canada where hefty fines could be handed out.
“Handing out these infractions, having fines up to $12,000 for staying in your car during a pandemic? We have to approach this reasonably and that’s what we’re asking the minister to do,” said Blaney.
Despite repeated calls, Garneau has remained firm, insisting instead that the rules are in place to protect passengers from other dangers onboard a vessel.
Dean Stoltz
