The Hook: Political news, freshly caught
BC Ferries passenger traffic dropped to lowest level in 21 years
With dropping vehicle traffic and passenger levels, BC Ferries lost money last fiscal year despite receiving a boost from the provincial government. Read more…
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Vancouver bike share plan rolls on in spite of helmet laws
Vancouver council yesterday unveiled its plan to launch a bike share program in the city by spring 2013, despite the acknowledgment that helmet laws will impact ridership and cost. Read more…
Lack of officer caused BC Ferry cancellation
BC Ferries' ongoing shortage of qualified officers led to the cancellation of some sailings last week. Read more…
'The people on the ships run the business,' says new ferry union president
Members of the union representing workers at BC Ferries wanted a change, said president-elect Chris Abbott. Read more…
Incumbent president defeated in BC Ferries union election
The union representing workers at BC Ferries has elected Chris Abbott to replace incumbent provincial president Richard Goode. Read more…
BC snuffs out AirCare test program
The BC government is shifting gears on the AirCare program with a plan to phase out tailpipe testing of light cars and trucks at the end of 2014 in favour of focusing on heavy-duty diesel vehicles. Read more…
BC's move away from open government puzzling, says advocate
Removing a proactive disclosure requirement for the BC Ferry Commissioner is a puzzling step from a minister and government who say they believe in open government, said Vincent Gogolek, the executive director of the Freedom of Information and Privacy Association. Read more…
Commissioner wrong that ferry secrecy is a step backward, says minister
Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Blair Lekstrom said he disagrees with British Columbia's information and privacy commissioner that the province is taking a step backwards on its open government initiative with changes included in a bill amending the Coastal Ferry Act. Read more…
BC Supreme Court upholds BC Ferries union exclusions
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge this week dismissed a B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers' Union application for a judicial review of a Labour Relations Board decision. Read more…
BC aims to slow skyrocketing ferry fares
The British Columbia government today introduced changes and provided money aimed at slowing the increase in fares on BC Ferries. Read more…
Despite safety concerns, BC Ferries paying bonuses for keeping schedule
BC Ferries appears to still be paying bonuses for on-time performance despite having said previously they ended the process due to safety concerns, NDP ferries critic Gary Coons said today. Read more…
Minister for BC Ferries 'unaware' of severe staffing challenge
The British Columbia cabinet minister responsible for BC Ferries said he's unaware of the staffing problems at the publicly owned company. Read more…
Exclusion of engineers from BC Ferries union creating 'severe challenge'
BC Ferries switched vessels on the main route linking Victoria to Vancouver and caused a delay yesterday because it lacked a properly qualified engineer. . Read more…
Company amassing options on protected Delta farmland
A development company has quietly put together $100 million in options to purchase 226 hectares of Delta farmland now protected in the agricultural land reserve, independent MLA Vicki Huntington said today. Read more…
Harper says decision to intervene in Air Canada dispute a special case
TORONTO - It was necessary for the federal government to intervene in Air Canada's labour disputes because a shutdown at the country's largest airline at a peak travel time could take a toll on the economy, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Friday. Read more…
BC Ferries' quarterly vehicle traffic down 3.6 percent
Traffic carried by British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. is continuing to drop, according to third quarter financial results released today. Read more…
MLA vows to fight BC plan to use farm land for foreign trade zone
The British Columbia government is likely eyeing precious agricultural land in the Lower Mainland for one of two proposed foreign trade zones, said independent Delta South MLA Vicki Huntington. Read more…
Ferry advisory group recommends 25 percent fare cut
Not only should British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. and the B.C. government hold future fare increases to the rate of inflation, they should also roll back earlier increases, says the Ferry Advisory Committee Chairs. Read more…
Canadian coal, oil and petroleum production grew in 2010
Both Canada's production and use of energy grew in 2010, with refined petroleum products and coal seeing the fastest growth, according to Statistics Canada. Read more…
Control system failed ahead of BC Ferry crash
A problem with the Coastal Inspiration's control system may have led to yesterday's crash at Duke Point, a British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. spokesperson said. Read more…
