Thoughts on BC Politics and More

Federal politicians convened in Ottawa Friday for what was supposed to be a reckoning over BC Ferries’ $1-billion China shipbuilding deal. But instead it became a masterclass in buck-passing, bureaucratic dodgeball and curated helplessness. MPs on the transport committee heard from cabinet ministers and CEOs suddenly rendered impotent on the issue of doing business with an authoritarian regime currently imposing crippling sanctions on Canada’s seafood sector, interfering with its elections and arming its enemies. All expressed concern that a deal like this could happen with a hostile nation, while also insisting they were powerless to stop it ... CLICK HERE for the full story

BC Ferries’ CEO says he isn’t worried that a major ferry order with a state-owned Chinese shipyard might become a bargaining chip between China and Canada if trade and diplomatic tensions between the two countries worsen. The ferry company’s decision to go with China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards to build its four new ferries quickly drew criticism from both sides of the aisle in the BC legislature after it was announced Tuesday ... CLICK HERE for the full story

The Office of the BC Ferries Commissioner’s decision to approve only four of the five new major vessels BC Ferries has asked for is shortsighted and will have a lasting impact on ferry customers, the economy and the future of the ferry service, the corporation’s chief ­executive said Monday. BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez said the corporation has “notable disagreements” with the reasons given by commissioner Eva Hage for denying the application for all five new ships. On Monday, Hage released a decision approving a capital plan to purchase four new major vessels, but refused permission to purchase a fifth that would have served as a relief ship ... Jimenez said BC Ferries rejects each of those arguments, noting the fifth ship will never be as affordable as it is now. “Building a series of five ships right now will be significantly cheaper than building one or two at a time,” he said ... CLICK HERE for the full story