B.C. campaign tightens as party leaders announce pitches [Video]

Backed by a crew of ship builders at Seaspan’s dockyard in North Vancouver, B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad pledged to overhaul BC Ferries by modernizing its vessels and building new ones with federal funding.

“The ability to be able to move our economy forward, to be able to make sure that we can build the vessels that we’d like to see right here in British Columbia,” Rustad said of his plans on Thursday.

His campaign promises include improving service and fares and introducing a monthly flat fee for regular travellers.

Thursday’s announcements are likely aimed at swaying ferry users on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, in potential swing ridings.

“Any seats that the Conservatives can flip could well be critical, and clearly they are playing for those up Island votes with a promise of better ferry service,” said Hanish Telford, a political scientist at the University of the Fraser …