I am amazed at the ridiculous idea that saving money is the only criteria to enable China to build four B.C. ferries. Instead of supporting workers and fair wages, we are allowing low wages and few protections for workers. Instead of supporting a democracy, we are supporting a regime that does not enable free speech and discourse.
We are supporting a country that has been alleged to have numerous human rights violations and repression of ethnic and religious minorities. The government of Canada has a travel advisory which states, “exercise a high degree of caution in China due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Chinese authorities are increasingly detaining ethnic and Muslim minorities. What was the BC Ferry Corporation thinking? Is there no moral compass in decision-making?
Yes, it would cost more to have ships built in other countries, but our money would go to improve and support those with similar moral values and support our allies. The corporation needs to think outside the proverbial money box and take other factors into account. For example, it could have been in B.C.’s best interest to have the hulls built in a European country and then have our shipyards complete the work. I wonder if that was even a consideration.
As a B.C. resident and taxpayer, I am saddened and disappointed by the BC Ferry board's decision. I would like to see the province step in and come up with a plan that suits B.C. interests beyond a monetary one.
Mona Sykes
North Saanich
