Source: Global Times

[Special Correspondent of the Global Times in Canada, Tao Daovine] The Canadian Press reported on the 10th that on the same day, the British Columbia Ferry Corporation of Canada awarded the contract to build four new ferries to a Chinese shipyard. This decision has raised doubts from some people in Canada, but the company said it is not worried about so-called geopolitical influences and just wants to obtain higher quality products at more affordable prices.

British Columbia is the only province on the Pacific coast of Canada, with its capital Victoria located on an island, while its largest city, Vancouver, is on the mainland. Therefore, the province has long been heavily dependent on the British Columbia Ferry Corporation, which operates ferries supported by public funds, to maintain transportation links.

The company currently operates 10 ferries, including six large ferries, serving four routes between the mainland and Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast islands. In recent years, considering issues such as aging ships and non-environmentally friendly diesel engines, the company plans to purchase new vessels, stating that replacing old ships early can avoid service disruptions and ensure normal operations in coastal communities.

A ferry of the British Columbia Ferry Corporation of Canada. Photo source: Canadian media.

The British Columbia Ferry Corporation submitted a plan in 2024 to order seven new ferries: first ordering five, expected to be put into use between 2029 and 2031, followed by the remaining two, expected to be put into operation around 2037.

The Canadian Press reported that on the 10th, the British Columbia Ferry Corporation announced that a Chinese enterprise had won the bid to have the opportunity to build four new ferries for the company. The British Columbia Ferry Corporation stated that this Chinese enterprise has proven its experience in meeting the standards of Canada's transportation department, having previously built modern ferries for multiple operators.

This news has raised concerns among some Canadians. The head of British Columbia’s transportation department, Farnsworth, claimed that he was concerned about purchasing goods from "any country actively harming Canada's economy through tariffs and protectionism." He also mentioned, "Although the British Columbia Ferry Corporation has decided to buy overseas new ferries, I am disappointed that the contract does not include more participation from Canadian shipyards."

According to reports by the Canadian Press and the British Columbia media DailyHive, the comments made by the province's transportation department head are related to trade disputes between Canada and China, opposition parties within the province, and local protectionist forces. The largest opposition party in the province, the British Columbia Conservative Party, issued a statement criticizing the provincial governor after the contract was disclosed, accusing him of "abandoning Canadian workers."

However, the Canadian Press quoted the fleet renewal director of the British Columbia Ferry Corporation, Hopper, who pointed out that from the beginning, no Canadian companies bid. The company's CEO, Jimenez, said he was not worried about geopolitical tensions between Canada and China but was mainly focused on securing better agreements for the province. "Customers want us to find the best deals, highest quality, and shipyards providing the highest standards in supervision and labor, while obtaining the most favorable prices. When it comes to trade policies, industrial policies, and geopolitical issues, I believe these should be left to the federal and provincial governments to manage and resolve," he said.

Jimenez stated in a press release that choosing the Chinese enterprise was a "clear decision based on the overall strength of their bid."

According to a report by Bloomberg on the 11th, Bill Morneau, who served as finance minister in Trudeau's government, said that Canada should strengthen its relationship with China to address uncertainties brought about by former U.S. President Trump's handling of bilateral relations. He noted that China is Canada's second-largest trading partner after the United States, making it only natural for Canada's new Prime Minister Kenny to seek "more stable and extensive trade relationships with China and other countries."

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7514824905821618724/

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