VICTORIA - North Island MLA Claire Trevena accused the government of being arrogant and out of touch with reality with its arms length approach to B.C. Ferries.

“In my constituency fares have doubled since the Campbell government has taken office. Wages haven't doubled,” said Trevena. “People cannot cope with these increases.

“So I ask the Minister of Transportation not to have a dismissive sneer, not to be dismissive and just say, 'Boo hoo,' but to commit to the people of British Columbia, and people who live on the islands that he will freeze the ferry fares.”

Last week the Minister of Transportation, Kevin Falcon, responded in the House to concerns about fare increases on smaller runs by saying “Boo hoo”.

“It shows the arrogance of this government,” said Trevena, who raised the issue in Question Period, and in her response to the government’s Throne Speech, which sets out the legislative agenda for the Spring session.

“Families are being driven off the islands, and employers can't get supplies. These costs are killing our coastal communities — and not a word about them in this government's plan for the province. No wonder people lose faith in the government.”

The Official Opposition has been campaigning for a freeze on ferry fares; a number of communities have launched petitions in support of this campaign.

For more information on the campaign, visit www.bcndpcaucus.ca/en/ferryfares

Feb. 19, 2008