The BC Ferry & Marine Workers' Union is launching a campaign called "Build Them Here" to urge BC Ferries and the provincial government to reconsider their decision to build new vessels in China. It's a campaign I fully support.
BC Ferries' decision to build four vessels in China is going to create another 'FastCat' fiasco. Quick reminder: NDP premier Glen Clarke spent $450 million to build three vessels and sold them back to the builder for $20 million.
Just over 10 years ago, China was awarded the contract to restore the Johnson Street Bridge to save on costs. Chinese steel was used, the project faced delays, Canadian inspectors were sent to China, where they found cracked welds on the bridge deck, problems with the structure's trusses and rings that did not fit the bridge design. The bridge was built in China and came in over budget. Canadian firms can’t compete fairly with Chinese fabricators because of the Chinese government's subsidization and the dumping of Chinese steel onto the market.
It’s rich for BC Ferries to use wages in Canada compared to China when not that long ago, the CEO's salary went from $165,000 a year to $500,000. BC Ferries has faced an aging fleet for over 40 years, and yet under David Hahn and privatization, the priority was to create a top-heavy, overpaid company while they virtually kept silent on shipbuilding or staffing.
The BC NDP and 'quasi-private' BC Ferries have been highly criticized for this decision and their refusal to listen to the federal government and industry. The cost-saving flies in the face of ethical business practices. China has the worst human-rights record, it held Canada’s two Micheals as political hostages, and its steel industry is government-subsidized, making it impossible for the free world to compete.
We all know politicians have short memories, especially for their ill-informed mistakes. We have a steel, copper and aluminum industry under assault of 50% tariffs, and a trade war with the U.S.A. China is using its economic war with the U.S. to build its economy. Our premier decries the U.S. for economic assault, but his government is supporting BC Ferries vessels being built in China.
Political messaging is hypocritical when the federal and provincial government leaders call for “Elbows Up”, build Canada strong by building in Canada, using Canadian products at home, creating jobs at home, and yet the actions of the government are opposite, while urgency trumps ethics.
Jo-Anne Berezanski
North Saanich
