In a bold move ahead of the approaching election, BC Conservative Party Leader John Rustad has put forward a significant proposal to overhaul BC Ferries. During a press event at Seaspan's shipbuilding facility in North Vancouver, Rustad criticized the current BC NDP government for leading the ferry service into a state of unaccountability, rife with various issues related to service reliability, mechanical failures, and staffing shortages.

Rustad's announcement centers around introducing a new flat-fee program aimed specifically at frequent ferry users, highlighting the struggles locals face in securing bookings. “This is our lifeline. It’s how we get to work and access essential services,” he stated, emphasizing that locals should have priority access to ferry services.

He further lamented that BC Ferries isn't generating a profit at the moment, insisting that a Conservative government would work diligently to keep rates affordable while also aiming for improved service delivery. To ensure accountability, Rustad proposed the establishment of a BC Ferries Charter to clearly outline performance standards and link executive salaries to the company's performance metrics.

An additional commitment made by Rustad is a focus on constructing new ferries within British Columbia. Currently, BC Ferries is involved in a significant vessel replacement project, which aims to deploy seven large ferries in two phases over the next decade. Despite the ongoing replacement efforts, there is concern that low-cost bidding processes are sidelining local shipbuilders like Seaspan in favor of international competitors with cheaper labor.

Rustad asserted the necessity of constructing at least two of the new ferries in B.C., recognizing the more than 4,000 workers at Seaspan who contribute to the province's shipbuilding industry with pride. "As Canadians and British Columbians, we should support our local shipbuilding sector," he urged.

In a broader scope, the Conservative leadership plans to advocate for increased federal funding to support new ferry projects and enhance service quality, stating, “We will fight hard with Ottawa to secure our fair share of the necessary funding for infrastructure upgrades required for BC Ferries.”

While Rustad focused on ferry reforms, the press conference was not without controversy. He responded to criticism regarding social media comments made by South Surrey candidate Brent Chapman, who previously used inflammatory language about Palestinian children. Rustad acknowledged Chapman’s apology for those remarks and accepted it.

Conversely, BC NDP Leader David Eby was busy campaigning in Coquitlam, pledging to recruit more doctors upon re-election. He claimed that under his administration, 250,000 individuals had gained access to family doctors in the past two years and promised more connections in the upcoming months.

Meanwhile, BC Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau is targeting "winnable ridings" as she relocates her campaign focus from Cowichan Valley to Victoria-Beacon Hill, where she is poised to challenge an NDP cabinet minister.

As early voting kicked off across British Columbia, with Election Day set for October 19, all eyes will be on how these promises will resonate with the electorate in the final stretch of the campaign. Will the Conservatives' overhaul plan for BC Ferries capture the votes, or will the NDP's healthcare improvements sway public opinion? The coming weeks promise to be pivotal in shaping the province's political landscape.