The push to build new BC Ferries vessels in Canada is gaining political support. The BC Ferry & Marine Workers Union has launched a campaign urging British Columbians to demand local shipbuilding. Cowichan-Malahat-Langford MP Jeff Kibble has joined the call, stressing the importance of keeping jobs and federal funds in the country.
On August 6, the union unveiled its Build Them Here campaign. It comes after BC Ferries awarded a contract to China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards to construct four new vessels. The $1 billion project will be funded by the Canada Infrastructure Bank. The ships will replace older vessels in the fleet.
Union president Eric McNeely said offshore construction may seem cheaper at first, but the real costs emerge later. He pointed to delays from overseas parts, mismatched systems, and the need to fly in repair crews. These problems, he said, hurt service and increase expenses over time.
Kibble, a Conservative MP, echoed the union’s message. He argued that federal dollars should stay in Canada and be used for Canadian workers, Canadian shipbuilders, and Canadian steel. He added that local shipyards, including those in Vancouver, have the capacity to build such ferries. While domestic construction might take longer, Kibble said the economic benefits would be greater.
He explained that money spent on Canadian projects flows back into the economy. Workers spend their wages locally, supporting other businesses and creating a ripple effect. This, he said, strengthens the economy and helps fight inflation.
The Build Them Here campaign argues that Canadian shipyards were pushed out of the bidding process. The group claims that the project’s terms made it impossible for local companies to compete. Seaspan, a major shipbuilder, reportedly warned over a year ago that the process was stacked against Canadian yards.
The union says foreign contracts fail to account for the value of jobs, training, and domestic supply chains. It warns that relying on offshore construction creates long-term dependency on other countries for parts and expertise.
Kibble said his role, and that of his party, is to push for federal funds to remain in Canada. While private companies can look for the best price, he believes public money should come with a requirement to use domestic resources. He added that the federal transport committee is reviewing the issue and exploring ways to keep such work in Canada.
BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez defended the decision to award the contract to China Merchants Industry. He said the shipyard offered the best overall value, technical capability, safety standards, and experience in ferry construction. The company has committed to delivering the vessels on time and meeting quality expectations.
While the ships will be built overseas, BC Ferries says it will still invest locally. Over the first 10 years, the corporation expects to spend more than $230 million in Canada on refits and maintenance. Over the 45-year lifespan of the vessels, it forecasts over $1 billion in spending, supporting 17,200 job-years, $1.2 billion in wages, and $2.2 billion in GDP growth for British Columbia.
The union, however, believes these benefits are far less than what would be achieved if the ships were built domestically. McNeely called the contract a decision of national importance with consequences for generations. He said public projects should strengthen Canadian industries rather than send work abroad.
Earlier reports, including Seaspan’s Shirroca study, warned of the risks of offshore shipbuilding. These include reduced local capacity, fewer training opportunities, and weakened steel production. McNeely said Canada’s steel industry is already under pressure, and public contracts could help secure its future.
The union has also raised concerns about BC Ferries’ local procurement policies. It argues that more could be done to source materials and labour within Canada for terminal repairs and upgrades. McNeely stressed that every choice to import steel and labour means fewer opportunities for Canadian workers.
The Build Them Here campaign is calling on citizens to contact their MPs and MLAs. Supporters want to see ferries built in Canada, arguing that it is not only possible but essential for economic and industrial growth.
The debate highlights a larger question: Should public money prioritize the lowest bid, or the long-term health of domestic industries? For the union and Kibble, the answer is clear—keep the work at home.
