Legislative Transportation Institute in Victoria, British Columbia (watch this event online)

The Legislative Transportation Institute, an adjunct session of the PNWER Winter Meeting, provided elected transportation leaders the opportunity to gain a deeper knowledge of transportation issues and the impact on livability, economic vitality, and environmental sustainability.

The Victoria sessions focused on the marine ferry system and the maritime industry in Washington, Alaska and British Columbia and brought together public and private sector transportation leaders and innovators from across the Northwest states and western Canadian provinces to share best practices, ideas and solutions to enhance mobility and livability in communities throughout the Cascadia region.

The agenda and conference video follows.

Ferry Systems 101: Tackling Common Challenges
Review of respective system governance, finance, labor contract, and route structures, vessel acquisition procedures and potential uses of alternative fuels. Are there future opportunities for expanded cooperation in marketing or other areas between the systems? Moderated by Darrell Bryan, CEO of Victoria Clipper.

Washington State Ferries: An Overview. David Moseley, Assistant Secretary, Ferries Division, Washington State Department of Transportation

Alaska Marine Highway System. Capt. Mike Neussl, Deputy Commissioner, Marine Operations, Alaska Marine Highway System

British Columbia Ferry System: An OVerview. Mike Corrigan, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, B.C. Ferries

Session B: Organized Labor and the Maritime Industry: A Rich History
Waterborne commerce and passenger services have long been a part of the rich history of organized labor and the development and operation of our great port systems. This session will provide a contextual background for labor’s role on the waterfront and a specific examination of the partnerships with ferry employees in addressing common challenges in safe and secure operations of vessels.

Maritime Labor in the Pacific Northwest: A Historical Perspective.David Freiboth, M.L. King County Labor Council

Organized Labor and the Maritime Industry. Capt. Tim Saffle, Regional Representative for the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots (Washington State Ferries, Alaska Marine Highway System)