VICTORIA — The British Columbia Ferry Services Board has ousted its president and CEO, effective immediately amid staffing shortages and ferry cancellations.
A statement from the publicly owned company issued Friday said the board has decided to end its contract with Mark Collins, who's been with BC Ferries for 18 years, the last five as CEO.
Joy MacPhail, who was appointed the board chair less than a month ago, said the company has faced staffing, service and COVID-related disruptions and board members believe it is time for change.
"There are no quick fixes to these systemic challenges but as a board, we believe it is time for renewal, fresh ideas and a renewed commitment to the highest standards of customer service, safety and affordability,” she said in a statement.
BC Ferries compensation disclosure released in June 2021 shows that Collins made a base salary of over $488,000 last year, but pension, benefits and other allowances lifted that to $563,052.
The statement said Collins will be entitled to severance since it was the board's decision to end his contract, but the amount "has not yet been finalized."
He'll be replaced on an interim basis by Jill Sharland, the chief financial officer, while a search is underway for a permanent CEO.
During Collins' time as chief executive officer, the statement said, BC Ferries invested in upgrades to terminals, implemented a new fare flexibility model and made significant investments in fleet renewal. But, it said recent difficulties, including numerous cancelled sailings, prompted the board's decision.
BC Ferries spokeswoman Deborah Marshall said Friday that it has cancelled 173 sailings over the past 28 days.
The Ministry of Transportation said in a statement that delays and cancellations "have a significant impact on coastal communities and residents who depend upon BC Ferries in order to access essential goods and services."
"BC Ferries has advised government that they are committed to addressing staffing capacity issues," it said in the statement.
This comes after Transportation Minister Rob Fleming tabled changes to the Coastal Ferry Act in February intended to increase public oversight of coastal ferry services.
A 2019 review of BC Ferries made the recommendation to ensure affordable and reliable ferry services.
At the time that Bill 7 was tabled in the legislature, the ministry said the changes would ensure it would be "better positioned to work with BC Ferries on meeting the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic."
The bill didn't pass before members of the legislature broke for the summer.
"Bill 7 remains on the order paper and can be brought forward in the next legislative session," the ministry said in its statement Friday.
Among the proposed changes is a requirement for the B.C. Ferry Authorityto consult with the Public Sector Employers Council anddevelop plans to ensure its executive compensation levels "do not exceed those provided to similar executives in the B.C. public sector."
BC Ferries provides service to 47 ports on coastal and island communities in the province and about 22 million passengers a year use the ferries.
— By Brieanna Charlebois in Vancouver.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 22, 2022.
The Canadian Press
