Coast Mountain Bus routes through First Nations communities (DRAFT NOTE)

1. Overlay maps of transit and First Nations in Vancouver covered by Translink/CMBC.
2. Identify if there are current communities where buses interface with First Nations communities.
3. List the new proposed bus routes.
4. Identify and do analysis of collective agreement language that will be helpful/hinder establishing new routes and employment opportunities for workers from First Nations communities.
5. Identify potential questions/issues arising.

The CMBC/Translink is proposing to expand routes into First Nations communities across the Southern Mainland of British Columbia.

The leadership of (some?) First Nations have expressed the desire to have Indigenous operators for all transit operating on their territory.

Discussions are ongoing about how this could be possible along with alternative recommendations about a minimum percentage of operator employment within the CMBC.

Changes to the collective agreement are likely to be necessary.

BC Assembly of First Nations https://www.bcafn.ca/first-nations-bc/interactive-map?region=10

• The Southwest Area Transport Plan included Tsawwassen First Nation. The #601, #609, #620 Community Shuttles traveled through Tsawwassen First Nation land.

Full route maps:

https://www.translink.ca/schedules-and-maps/interactive-system-map

• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI): https://www.translink.ca/about-us/about-translink/equity-diversity-and-inclusion

1. Is there a specific history to why Translink routes to do extend into some First Nations communities?

   • Squamish First Nation appears to have a route into the territory.
   • Tsawwassen First Nation also appears to have routes through the territory.
2. Are there formal of informal modes of transit established in the communities. Will new routes disrupt employment around these modes of transport.
3. What is the process for determining proposed pick-up spots? Has the community had sufficient consultation into where these stops will be established?
4. Who is responsible for safe/visible bus stop maintenance?

5. There is a potential for different regulations, laws, and services to apply within First Nations communities when it comes to safety, social supports, and cultural norms in response to crises for drivers and clients. What training is necessary for operators who cross into First Nations? Is the training established for community routes that already exist?

   • Jurisdiction for peace officers/social support agents differ between communities.
   • Accident reporting
   • Incident response
   • Indigenous history/First Nations eduction
   • Social services
6. What role will the union play in supporting employer policy for recruitment, training, and retention of operators from First Nations communities?

7. Collective agreement language (e.g., https://unifor.unionresearch.ca/energy/indigenous/ )

   1. Indigenous Advocate language
   2. Advancing Indigenous rights in the workplace