NEWS RELEASE · 29th June 2011
BC Ferries
With the Canada Day long weekend upon us, BC Ferries is reminding customers that the consumption of drugs and alcohol on its ships and at its terminals is prohibited.
“Safety is BC Ferries’ number one priority and that includes the sobriety of motorists on our property,” said Mike Corrigan, BC Ferries’ EVP and Chief Operating Officer. “We carry over 8 million vehicles and 20 million passengers per year and as such, we have a zero tolerance policy for motorists under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”
BC Ferries takes reports of persons suspected of operating their vehicles on its property while under the influence seriously and works with local police to bring the offence to the attention of the authorities. For everyone’s safety, BC Ferries encourages customers who witness the consumption of drugs or alcohol to report it to a BC Ferries employee.
Like the roadways, it’s against the law to operate a motor vehicle on BC Ferries’ ships or at its terminals while under the influence. For the safety of all customers and crew, the prevention of crashes and deaths due to drinking and driving is very important to BC Ferries not only during the summer holidays but all year long. The company wishes its customers a safe and fun Canada Day long weekend.
Practice What You Preach
Comment by Peggy Sue on 16th July 2011
Even tho the article is history (July 1st weekend), the summer season has numerous long weekends.
BC Ferries' EVP (?) and CEO, Mr. Mike Corrigan, has to enforce BCF's Employment Policy & Procedures Code (of Conduct) for their staff members on their Zero Tolerance on Alcohol and Drug Abuse - BEFORE ADDRESSING HOW THEY HANDLE THE PUBLIC AT LARGE!!!
There are numerous incidents where staff arrive while still under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. THESE SAD INCIDENTS ARE NOT REPORTED BY OTHER STAFF MEMBERS BECAUSE OF FEAR. They do not want repercussions from the hierarchy of BCF and/or other employees who belong to the "clique circle" who has the attitude of "being untouchable" due to the "who you know and not what you know" system that is prevalent in society. Unfortunately BC Ferries is right at the top of the list for utilizing this demoralizing practice full board.
Think back to the sinking of the "Queen of the North" and other incidents where a BC Ferries ship rammed into the Horseshoe Bay docks, etc., etc., etc., in the last few years.
My comments do not minimize the importance of "Zero Tolerance" on drinking and driving on land or on the water, I am only sharing my perspective on the order that it should be enforced and practiced by all who are responsible for everyone's safety - again, on land as well as on the water.
