The Regional District of Central Kootenay continues to push for stronger inland ferry protections after the province said existing legislation already provides adequate safeguards.
The issue stems from a series of email exchanges between the RDCK and the Ministry of Transportation and Transit following labour disruptions that affected inland ferry services for several months in 2024 and 2025.
In a Jan. 23 email to RDCK board chair Aimee Watson, Minister Mike Farnworth said inland ferries are recognized as critical components of B.C.’s transportation network and receive the same protections as highways, bridges and transit systems.
“In the event of labour disputes, essential service levels on inland ferries, highways, bridges and transit systems are determined by the Labour Relations Board under the Labour Relations Code,” wrote Farnworth.
“This process ensures that public safety and access to critical transportation are maintained while respecting collective bargaining rights.”
However, in a March 5 response, Watson, on behalf of the RDCK, argued recent inland ferry job action caused significant hardship for ferry-dependent communities, including reduced access to routine and essential services and economic disruption.
The district urged the province to formally recognize inland ferries as equivalent to roads in legislation and to introduce safeguards to ensure uninterrupted service.
“These ferries are not luxuries; they are essential to the daily activities of the affected communities, providing access to work, school and emergency services in addition to economic activity,” Watson wrote.
“Indeed, for some of the affected communities, the ferries are the only means of access at all.”
Watson also questioned whether essential service levels were adequately determined during the recent labour dispute.
She specifically pointed to comments from Labour Relations Board chair Jennifer Glougie expressing concern that welfare issues “do not appear to have been fully canvassed by the parties before the original panel.”
“The change from a ministry-operated service to a contracted operation has left residents to rely on the arguments around essential services as put forward by a for-profit entity,” Watson wrote.
“That entity will never have the depth of interest in protecting the well-being of residents as that held by government.”
She also raised concerns about the role of inland ferry committees, questioning whether ferry-dependent communities have meaningful representation during labour-related discussions.
In an April 29 response, Farnworth clarified that essential service levels are determined by the Labour Relations Board and said advisory committees exist to support dialogue between operators, government officials and community representatives, but do not have decision-making authority.
“It is important to note that the committees are advisory in nature and do not have decision-making authority,” he said.
“Committees also do not have the authority to supplant any existing legal or contractual obligations between the province and the ferry operator.”
The RDCK said it will continue to seek clarity on how essential service levels are determined for privately contracted inland ferry systems and whether legislative changes are needed to ensure reliable access for rural communities.
A motion to respond to Farnworth’s April 29 letter seeking that clarity was approved during the May 21 board meeting.
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