Since launching our campaign and petition yesterday, we have been inundated with cc'd emails to Minister Todd Stone, calling on him to do whatever is necessary to fix BC Ferries. Here's one of my favorites:

Dear Mr. Stone:

I have just signed a petition, organized by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, regarding the exorbitant amount of taxpayer money paid by BC Ferrries to their executives. This petition requests:

1. BC Ferries be subject to B.C Government rules around executive compensation, bonuses and collective bargaining.
2. BC Ferries report directly to the Minister of Transportation.

During my years living on Bowen Island I have seen the cost of the 20-minute ferry ride to Horseshoe Bay increase 400%!  It is crippling the younger generation of this island who have chosen to raise their children here and the costs eventually will allow only seniors (who ride free from Monday-Thursday), the summer and part-time residents to use the system.  This will only serve to decrease the ridership and, in turn, give BC Ferries' justification for raising their costs yet again.

I recently visited Orcas Island, WA and discovered the return fare on their ferry was less for the 1-1/2 hour ride from Anacortes to Orcas than the 20-minutes to Bowen Island from Horseshoe Bay --  not to mention the huge difference in the cost of BC Ferries fare to Nanaimo for the same 1-1/2 hour ride. I feel that there is no excuse, other than greed and a complete disrespect for the ridership, for the rates charged by BC Ferries.

I expect you, and the other recipients of this email, to be responsible to your constituents and have this petition implemented.

Sincerely,
Caroline Orr