As President of the Quadra Island Seniors, I composed a letter of Protest, addressed to Messer's Hahn, Crilly and Hon Minister Falcon.
This morning at the protest rally (March3rd/08)
I had the pleasure of reading it in front of the media and other Protesters, then handing a copy to Claire Trevena, MLA.Nth lsland MLA:

Martin Crilly, BC Ferry Commissioner
c/o BC Ferries Head Office
1112 Fort Street
Victoria, BC V8V 4V2 February 28, 2008

Dear Sir:
On behalf of the Quadra Island seniors I wish to Lodge a strong protest against BC Ferries, BC Ferries Commissioner and the Minister Responsible for Ferries.
Since the Governments decision to put the control of our Ferries in the hands of BC Ferries and the BC Ferries Commissioner, ferry fares have increased at an alarming rate, with no regard for any financial hardship that this would cause to commuters whether they are in the workforce, retirees or commercial operators.
Combined with fuel surcharges, it is becoming impossible for seniors on a fixed income to travel freely around this great province of ours in their vehicles, like other citizens can, as is our right, are we not equals? The ferries are our Highway not a luxury cruise ship.
The government takes great strides to advertise the fact that you can travel free of charge on inland ferries to destinations that in most, if not all, cases can be reached by road yet, even to take advantage of any discount available for residents of the Island, Islanders will have to purchase a coast card for $75, this card can be purchased by anyone from anywhere, basically removing any commuter discounts that Island residents had received
Quadra Island seniors endorse any and all requests to place a moratorium against ferry fare increases and to restore there control to BC highways.


Respectfully,


Robert A Brown
(President) Br#91 B.C.OAPO