BC Ferries fires CEO amid cancellations, staffing challenges

BC Ferries has fired its CEO, in the wake of numerous sailing cancellations and chronic staffing shortages.

Mark Collins had been with BC Ferries for nearly two decades and held the role of chief executive role for five years.

“The board decided to end Mr. Collins’ contract, which will entitle him to severance in accordance with the terms of his contract. That amount has not yet been finalized,” reads a statement from BC Ferries.

Jill Sharland is stepping in as CEO on an interim basis. Sharland is already the company’s chief financial officer, a role she will continue to serve, as BC Ferries launches a “robust and professional search” for a permanent CEO replacement.

BC Ferries has recently said sailing cancellations and service delays have been largely due to more workers calling in sick, noting employee absenteeism has more than doubled since before the COVID pandemic.

“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” said board Chair Joy MacPhail.

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Alexander Fischer-Jean, operations manager for Salt Spring Island Chamber of Commerce, says the constant delays and cancellations have impacted the island.

“It really affects families, island residents, visitors, tourists, and businesses. It’s really impacting everyone,” he said.

“There’s a lot of worry or fear or uncertainty [of] when’s the next cancellation gonna happen? When will I be able to make this medical appointment? Or for visitors, they’re not booking well in advance with confidence.”

Fischer-Jean says they are in regular contact with BC Ferries and says improvements need to be made.

“There is a lot of frustration. We’ve been advocating for more frequent sailings or better ferries. I mean, those boats are very, very old. Terminal upgrades, which are still years to come. There’s been a lot of frustration from island residents, business owners, despite us having three ferry terminals,” he explained.

He says housing is a big hurdle going forward.

“It’s the lack of workforce housing that has impacted the staffing challenges for BC Ferries, which affects all of these cancellations.”

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