MP launches Fair Federal Ferry Funding rallies

Courtenay – Alberni MP Gord Johns will be racing around the island today, speaking at 4 different ferry funding rallies.

For the past few months, Johns has been highlighting the desparity between west coast and east coast federal ferry funding formulas.

“We’re kicking off the tour It will be no more than 15 to 20 minutes. We’re going to talk about the issue. We’re going hold signs, get a photo, and send it to Ottawa and let them know that we’ve had enough and that we want it changed and it’s critical that we stand united as coastal people,” he said. “This is a non-partisan issue and I’m expecting to see other politicians from all different political parties joining me on this tour so that we can send a united message to Ottawa that we want a renewed and modernized agreement.”

He says federal operational support for BC Ferries works out to $1.63 per passenger, while east coast ferries receive $291.

Johns started his day in Port Alberni, then headed to Parksville for 10:30, Denman Island for 12:30 and Courtenay at 4:30.  A further rally is scheduled for Thursday in Nanaimo.