One of BC’s biggest ship-builders says BC Ferries will never be built in BC, because the government isn’t thinking long-term.
Seaspan published a statement on Thursday in response to BC Ferries’ latest request for proposals to build new vessels. The company says it can’t compete with countries which pay skilled trades workers significantly less. It says building in BC will cost more, but will return more to the local economy over time.
“Seaspan has commissioned independent economic studies that show substantial return on investment for the BC Government to support building the NMVs (New Major Vessels) in BC. Today we are already building large vessels (the same size as NMV) in BC – the capability is already here,” the company said. “Unlike bridge, dam and hospital projects which have fixed duration, the BC shipbuilding industry will provide 20+ year jobs to our workers and associated income tax revenues and other economic benefits to the province.”
Seaspan says while East Coast shipyards get subsidies and tax credits, BC does not. In a press conference David Eby says it’s the federal government’s fault, and he understands Seaspan’s position, calling the company a key partner in maintaining the ferry system.
“I agree with them,” he said. I think if their shipyard was in New Brunswick, or Quebec, that we would be having a very different conversation with the federal government than we’re having.”
Eby said it’s an ongoing pattern with his government’s dealings with the federal government.
“The subsidies and supports that were available for those shipyards in Quebec and New Brunswick and other places are not available in the same way for British Columbia,” he said. “It’s consistent. It doesn’t matter if it’s housing, economic development, you name it, I’ve been consistently frustrated with a lack of federal government attention to British Columbia.”
BC Ferries is looking to build replacements for ferries on its busiest routes, with the first to enter service in 2029. Contracts will be awarded in spring.
