The federal government has expressed serious concerns, even “outrage,” regarding BC Ferries’ recent decision to contract a Chinese state-owned shipyard, CMI Weihai, for the construction of four new major vessels. This announcement sparked immediate backlash, particularly from the Conservative party.

During Question Period on June 13th, Liberal MP Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Transport Minister, responded to Conservative MP Aaron Gunn’s criticism. Gunn highlighted the potential loss of “thousands of good-paying Canadian jobs” due to the outsourcing of this significant project.

Kelloway acknowledged the concerns, stating, “I share the concern and I share the outrage.” However, he emphasized that the project falls under the jurisdiction of provincial procurement standards, regulations, and oversight, implying a limitation on federal intervention.

The decision by BC Ferries, a publicly owned company, to utilize a Chinese state-owned shipyard has ignited a heated debate about the economic implications and national security considerations of such large-scale contracts. The controversy continues to unfold, prompting further scrutiny of procurement practices and the balance between economic efficiency and supporting domestic industries.