BC Ferries Sparks Outcry Over Contract with Chinese Shipyard

Earlier this year, BC Ferries ignited political and public backlash after awarding a contract for four new major vessels to the Chinese state-owned CMI Weihai Shipyards. The deal followed a bidding process in which no Canadian shipyards submitted bids—a reality that BC Ferries says was due to capacity constraints and higher labor costs domestically but local shipyards are pushing back.

Critics Voice Concerns Over Economic and Security Risks

The decision drew swift criticism. The BC Ferry Marine Workers’ Union called for the short‑term construction of the first four vessels in Canada, followed by subsequent ships built domestically, arguing that domestic investment would support the regional economy rather than sending money overseas. Opposition political figures, including Conservative MLA Peter Milobar, accused Premier David Eby of contradicting his own “Buy BC” agenda, emphasizing that “BC Ferries’ only shareholder is the province,” and that more policy direction should have been provided.

Federal Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland also lambasted the move, stating it was deeply concerning to see a Crown-related entity spending public money with a country currently imposing sanctions on Canada’s seafood sector. A Parliamentary transport committee held hearings—described as a spectacle of “buck-passing”—highlighting a blur of responsibility among officials, including Freeland, BC Infrastructure Bank representatives, and BC Ferries’ CEO Nicholas Jimenez. Jimenez maintained the decision reflected the best financial value, citing a roughly CAD 1.2 billion cost advantage over other bids.

Review Underway and Public Watchfulness Intensifying

In response, the federal transport committee has launched a review of the decision. Officials are being compelled to surrender documents—including communications from the Prime Minister’s Office and BC government—by August 28 for scrutiny. Meanwhile, public sentiment continues to simmer, particularly among ferry staff, political observers, and regional business advocates advocating for future investments to stay local.