Victoria, BC: Harman Bhangu, MLA for Langley–Abbotsford is bringing attention to a new federal regulation that is preventing electric vehicles (EVs) from boarding BC Ferries – even when those vehicles are damaged or being towed for repairs.
“This is what a failed transition looks like,” said MLA Bhangu. “Island residents are being told they can’t take their EVs on the ferry unless they’re fully repaired, even when no local mechanic is available. It’s trapping people in their communities and punishing them for doing what the government asked: driving electric.”
The new Transport Canada policy has led to tow truck operators refusing jobs and families stranded with no way to move or recycle their vehicles. MLA Bhangu is demanding accountability from both federal and provincial transportation ministers, Chrystia Freeland and Mike Farnworth.
“There was no public consultation, no warning, and no explanation,” said MLA Bhangu. “We want to know: are these foreign-built vessels even up to code? Do they have adequate fire suppression systems? Or are we shifting blame on to working families to cover for infrastructure failures?”
MLA Bhangu is calling for immediate transparency on:
- The safety standards used to approve the ferries in question;
- Why the policy was introduced without public notice;
- ‘Who will cover the cost of regulatory compliance, BC Ferries or taxpayers
“British Columbians deserve better than chaos and confusion,” said Bhangu. “This isn’t a climate strategy. It’s poor planning that’s hurting people. It needs to be fixed now.”
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Media Contact:
Ryan Painter, Communications Officer
Ryan.Painter@leg.bc.ca
