Transport committee will study BC Ferries’ Chinese ship contract
BRITISH COLUMBIA, JUL 7 – The committee examines BC Ferries' $1 billion contract with a Chinese shipyard amid concerns over lack of Canadian bids and potential security risks, officials said.
- The parliamentary committee responsible for transportation unanimously agreed to review BC Ferries’ acquisition of four vessels from a Chinese shipbuilder, with the meeting scheduled for July 7, 2025.
- The study follows BC Ferries' June decision to hire China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards, financed partly by a $1 billion Canada Infrastructure Bank loan.
- BC Ferries noted that no bids were submitted by Canadian shipyards, and purchasing the vessels from China is intended to reduce expenses; meanwhile, Transport Minister Freeland voiced concern over the deal and called for measures to address associated security risks.
- The Infrastructure Bank stated on June 26 the new ferries "wouldn't likely be purchased" without its $1 billion financing, prompting scheduled hearings within 30 days to call key officials.
- The committee's investigation signals heightened scrutiny of federal financing supporting overseas procurement amid political and trade tensions affecting Canadian industries.
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Transport committee will study BC Ferries’ Chinese ship contract
The House of Commons transport committee will study BC Ferries’ decision to buy four electric-diesel vessels from a Chinese-owned firm — a purchase financed in part with $1 billion from a federal Crown corporation.
MPs Vote to Review BC Ferries’ Chinese Contract, Call CEOs and Ministers to Testify
The federal Transport Committee has voted to study BC Ferries’ decision to hire a Chinese state-owned shipyard to build four new ferries for its passenger fleet, in a deal that was financed by a $1 billion contribution from the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB). The committee voted on July 7 to hold four one-hour-long meetings to hear testimonies from Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson, Transport and Internal Trade Minister Chry…
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