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NDP calls in Comox Valley for affordable ferry fares

NDP house leader John Horgan joined local candidate Kassandra Dycke in calling for affordable ferry fares.
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NDP HOUSE LEADER John Horgan (left) chats with his brother Pat and Comox Valley candidate Kassandra Dycke at the NDP’s annual fall dinner in Courtenay.

NDP house leader John Horgan joined local candidate Kassandra Dycke in calling for affordable ferry fares when he visited Comox Valley on Saturday.

Horgan said British Columbians living in coastal communities deserve a government that understands the ferry system is an integral part of the province’s transportation system.

“Liberal mismanagement of the ferry system has resulted in escalating fares that hurt people and businesses in coastal communities,” he said.

Earlier in the week, the B.C. Ferry Commission announced that price caps would be allowed to increase by 4.1 per cent from April 2012 incrementally to a combined total of 12 per cent over three years.

Horgan, who was guest speaker at the NDP’s annual fall dinner, told the packed Florence Filberg Centre that New Democrats will work to make life more affordable for British Columbians.

“Under the Liberals, British Columbians are paying more for ferries, hydro, MSP premiums, tuition fees and more,” he said. “And we’re still paying the Liberals’ HST.

“It’s time for a change. We need a government that will give families a break.”

Dycke said the Liberal government doesn’t respect coastal communities, and cited the ferry commission’s plan to impose a cable ferry to Denman Island despite widespread public opposition.

“The ferry system is broken and we need to fix it now,” she said. “The New Democrats are committed to supporting coastal communities and ensuring an efficient and affordable ferry service.”

— Comox Valley NDP