VICTORIA – Esquimalt-Royal Roads MLA Maurine Karagianis will take on a new role for the B.C. New Democrat caucus as critic for B.C Ferries and coastal communities, announced New Democrat leader Adrian Dix.

Karagianis also serves as the critic for the Liquor Distribution Branch and is the official opposition caucus whip. She will play an important part in ensuring there is continued focus on B.C. Ferries and its vital links to British Columbia’s coastal communities.

“I am happy to take on the challenge of standing up for coastal and ferry-dependent communities,” said Karagianis.

“B.C. Ferries is another vivid example of B.C. Liberal mismanagement. Their failed privatization experiment and bad policy decisions have left the ferry service deeply in debt, ferry fares have skyrocketed, ridership has dropped year after year and coastal communities are facing cuts in services.

“British Columbians who use the ferry system and the coastal communities who depend on it are facing significant issues when it comes to their way of life and their economic vitality,” said Karagianis. “B.C. Ferries is a vital part of our provincial transportation infrastructure, and we need to ensure that the service is there to serve our communities, just like bridges, rail and roads.”

Adrian Dix and B.C.’s New Democrats are offering change for the better, one practical step at a time, including a commitment to support coastal communities and ensure an efficient and affordable ferry service.