The commissioner and up to two deputy commissioners are appointed by the BC Provincial Government by Order-In-Council.
The commissioners are independent and do not answer to the Provincial Government nor to BC Ferries. Their decisions or orders cannot be appealed, except on a question of law. The Coastal Ferry Act of 2003 contains provisions to ensure their independence.
The commissioners may be terminated only for:
- mental infirmity;
- conviction for an indictable offence under Canada’s criminal code; or
- a judicial finding of conflict of interest or material breach of duties or obligations.
The Act prohibits the commissioners from having a beneficial interest in a financial security of a ferry operator, or in its construction contracts. They cannot have a significant beneficial interest in competitors to BC Ferries or in equipment or processes that ferry operators use.
British Columbia Ferries Commissioner
Eva Hage
Eva is a senior transportation finance and business advisor with 30 years of experience. She has assisted major North American transportation agencies in evaluating and procuring capital infrastructure and in developing strategic plans and financial solutions that are cognizant of both client and stakeholder needs.
Eva has held senior positions with Partnerships BC, Steer Davies Gleave and BC’s Crown Corporation Secretariat. She has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario.
Eva was a long-time member and co-chair of the Southern Gulf Island Ferry Advisory Committee. She lives on Saturna Island.
British Columbia Ferries Deputy Commissioner
Piet Langstraat
Piet is a senior consultant in the areas of governance, strategic planning and financial management, with a focus on building exemplary leadership, achieving measurable goals and aligning budgets to meet priorities.
Piet was the lead of the Vancouver Island COVID Rapid Response Team, a member of the BC Education Funding Framework Review Panel, and a sector liaison for the Framework for Enhancing Student Learning. Previously, he served as Superintendent of Schools/CEO of the Greater Victoria School District and the Red Deer Public School District.
Piet holds a Master of Science in Educational Administration from the University of Oregon and a Bachelor of Education in Secondary English from the University of Calgary. He lives in Victoria, BC.
