VICTORIA - New Democrats held the Campbell government to account today for their arrogant dismissal of coastal communities concerned about rising ferry fares.

"Will the [transportation] minister finally, finally take a leadership role with this file and freeze fares?" asked New Democrat ferry critic and MLA Gary Coons in the legislature today.

"Obviously, the minister is totally out of touch with ferry-dependent communities. British Columbians deserve a real response from this minister, but last Thursday, all he had to say about ferry users' concerns was: 'Boo hoo,'" continued Coons in the legislature.

Coons was referring to Premier Campbell's Transportation Minister's response of "Boo hoo" in the legislature last Thursday after New Democrat MLA Doug Routley said "Can you imagine a government that over four years could oversee more than 100 per cent increases in ferry fares on our small runs?"

"Since 2003 the fares have skyrocketed, and they'll climb by over 130 per cent by 2011," said Coons.

Coons is beginning the second half of a tour of coastal communities about rising ferry fares, where he’s meeting stakeholders and hosting public forums. So far he has spoken to residents and business owners in over 20 communities on Vancouver Island, the North Coast, Gulf Islands, and the Sunshine Coast.

For details of Coons’ ferry tour or copies of the interim report, please visit www.bcndpcaucus.ca/en/ferryfares