BC Ferries funding gap prompts municipal calls for federal support

Member of Parliament Gord Johns has introduced Motion M-35, urging the federal government to provide BC Ferries with operational funding comparable to Atlantic‑Canada interprovincial ferry services. BC Ferries currently receives about $1.63 per passenger, while eastern ferries receive roughly $291 per passenger. Municipal leaders, including North Cowichan Mayor Rob Douglas and Parksville councillor Sean Wood, have publicly endorsed the motion, arguing that BC Ferries is essential infrastructure for coastal communities and that the funding disparity places a heavy burden on residents already facing high living costs. Douglas sent an open letter to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, while Parksville council passed a resolution forwarding the request to the prime minister and relevant ministries. Both officials stress that equitable federal support is needed to keep fares affordable and maintain reliable marine highway connections on the West Coast.