Mar 14, 2025
“Without Reliable Ferry Service, Our Economy and Quality of Life Suffer”
Earlier this week, TIABC CEO Walt Judas and Bruce Williams, CEO, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce collaborated on behalf of industry stakeholders in submitting an opinion piece to the Vancouver Sun regarding the current situation of BC Ferries and importance of ensuring a reliable ferry service.
“Without Reliable Ferry Service, Our Economy and Quality of Life Suffer”
Earlier this week, TIABC CEO Walt Judas and Bruce Williams, CEO, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce collaborated on behalf of industry stakeholders in submitting an opinion piece to the Vancouver Sun regarding the current situation of BC Ferries and importance of ensuring a reliable ferry service. The following is an excerpt from the opinion piece:
From the goods that stock our shelves and the visitors who sustain our tourism industry to the workers who keep our communities running, British Columbia depends on BC Ferries as a critical transportation link. Without reliable ferry service, our economy and quality of life suffer.
Today, we are at a crossroads. With a growing population, an aging fleet and increasing demand, the decisions made now will determine whether BC Ferries can provide the level of service that businesses, communities, and residents need. That’s why we, representing 17 industry-leading organizations in BC’s trade, tourism, and transportation sectors, are calling for an investment today in building five new major vessels that will protect our future…
…This is why long-term investment is needed now. With five new vessels, BC Ferries would have over 50% more capacity for passengers and 24% more for vehicles than the ships they are replacing—a significant upgrade we can’t afford to delay. Put simply, we don’t just need new ships to solve today’s problems—we need more capacity to be ready for the demands that will come with our growing population and economy.
Access the re-published article on the BC Ferries website.