Post by Dane on May 5, 2006 23:28:45 GMT -8
cascade said:
2. Oil - Fuel - A third fuel surcharge ? When will it happen and why? What should be done? Why can't the Federal Government drop the GST / PST tax on Diesel fuel? That may help transport companies who use the fuel.
1. You'd call it an unfair subsidy and criticize the gov't if they did that. (Dropped GST/PST)
2. The third fuel charge is already proposed, it can happen when there is approval.
cascade said:
3. What has happen with the "order" for the Intermediate vessel. Any pictures - has anyone heard anything? When will it be built at what cost and when will we see it in service? (Not the press reports - which are not truthful) I've heard from a little birdy that the design is basically finalized, however BCFS is currently 'preoccupied' with some other operational issues that's slowing down the project as it's not to the point where WMG can just take over. I'm not sure that's true, seems reasonable though.
cascade said:
4. FastCats - WMG - lot's of talk....so what has happen are they going to put them back in service and if so where...would anyone ride them? What sort of price would you pay for the ride. Would BC Ferries employees move across to work for WMG?
Why would a BC Ferry employee leave unless the pay is awesome. Who in their right mind leaves a union with such a great pension and benefits?
I hope WMG makes an announcement soon.
cascade said:
5. Terminal Staff - Tsawwassen retail staff where moved across to the new contractor who won the right to run the retail operations, therefore what happens if this business goes bust - does that mean the "former" BCFS are left high and dry - or will BC Ferries take them back? BC Ferries need to drop there staff numbers is this way to reduce head count? The land is BCFS, the building is BCFS leased back to the operator.
cascade said:
6. Why has BC Ferries signed a MOU for the Sidney Terminal - "in camera" with the township of Sidney. What are there plans - when they (BC Ferries) have sub-contracted out most of there terminal retail business - or looking to. Do they (BC Ferries) think the berth / dock work at Swartz Bay will run over and they need cover? If it is for cover - then based on the different shapes of the vessels that work the Gulf Islands and WSF vessel - who wins? I'm really quite confident BCFS won't move to the WSF terminal. They need "cover"? That doesnt even make sense, it's almost all been redone in the last few years.
cascade said:
7. Will BC Ferries be hauled into court for years over the sinking of the Queen of the North given the current statement issued by the company.Given the lack of suits (except the one filed like 3 days after) I'd speculate BCFS paid out generously like they did in Horseshoe Bay.
cascade said:
and the oil seem to have stopped - Why? well Cascade... let's say, for example, you have a bottle of water and you tip it upside down the water will run out and eventually you will have no water at all. A similar principle is at work here.
cascade said:
8. One senior manager have left - do we foresee any other major boardroom changes? No.
cascade said:
9. How is the BC Government going to handle this $350M - offer - finance for the Northern Route? BC Ferries already has a "bond" - loan for $450M to cover the payment of the 3 Super C's. What do the tax payers think of the government giving money to BC Ferries when it is suppose to be a private commercial business, with one shareholder - the people of BC. I think the people of BC, at least those that:
a. have a clue BCFS is "private"
b. understand how the ferry system is financed
c. understand that the government takes out loans
... are probably smart enough to not care.
