Courtenay–Alberni MP Gord Johns is sounding the alarm over the possibility of major B.C. Ferries fare increases, and he’s taking that message across Vancouver Island.

Johns is launching a series of rallies beginning Monday in Port Alberni, calling on Ottawa to recognize B.C. Ferries as essential transportation infrastructure and provide more federal operational funding.

The NDP MP says the issue is becoming increasingly urgent after B.C. Ferries warned fares could rise by more than 30 per cent beginning in 2028 without a sustainable long-term funding model.

Johns says an increase of that size would affect more than just ferry passengers, potentially driving up the cost of goods across Vancouver Island and making it more difficult for Island businesses to compete.

He also points to what he calls a major funding gap between the two coasts, saying the federal government covers about 43 per cent of ferry costs in Atlantic Canada compared with roughly three per cent in British Columbia.

Green Party Leader and Saanich–Gulf Islands MP Elizabeth May is also supporting the push.

Johns says the rallies are non-partisan and focused on securing more federal support before future fares are determined. The rallies will continue across Vancouver Island through September 17th, with stops including Duncan, Victoria, Esquimalt and Nanaimo.