National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

After a recent rash of service disruptions due to wild weather, coastal communities relying on BC Ferries as an essential service are going to face more interruptions to their lifeline in the coming months. 

Absenteeism due to the Omicron variant, an ongoing labour shortage, and the impending loss of staff who oppose the company’s vaccination mandate are likely to lead to additional service disruptions, particularly on the smaller inter-island routes, said BC Ferries spokesperson Deborah Marshall on Monday.