Residents of Haida Gwaii rely on our ferry to get to work, to school, to medical appointments, to community events and more between Graham Island and Moresby Island. Essentially, the Kwuna is the ONLY connection for islanders as it is part of our water highway.
Travel to Prince Rupert for medical visits and other events are only accessible by ferry. Years ago, BC Ferries cancelled all night sailings between Graham and Moresby Islands and reduced ferry services for Prince Rupert/Haida Gwaii and Moresby/Graham Island.
BC Ferries’ late departures and lack of decent schedules have also directly impacted islanders’ lives – being late for school, for work, unable to get to work camps and cancellations of medical appointments made weeks and months ahead.
Such interruptions in services have deeply affected islanders’ lives for years and now BC Ferries’ inefficient services have also affected our islands’ tourists. We have heard tourists’ frustration about being forced to cancel their trip to Haida Gwaii due to BC Ferries’ unjustified sailing changes and cancellations; tourists (and residents) being stuck on either side of Haida Gwaii due to the Kwuna’s reduced and limited sailing times.
We are in the process of filing our customer reviews of BC Ferries with the Better Business Bureau as our direct plea with BC Ferries of reinstating their services has fallen on deaf ears. If you have been in line to catch the ferry, you’d clearly witness that the demand for the ferry is there and is much needed.
We would appreciate your help. Submit your personal review of BC Ferries with the Better Business Bureau. Email and share with us your personal frustration and stories to jonigis@yahoo.ca or rachel.houston2015@outlook.com.
We appreciate your support.
Joni Fraser and Rachel Houston
Sandspit