David Eby has made it clear that the government of British Columbia will not step in to end BC Ferries' contract with Chinese shipbuilders.The premier said he would instead look towards the future and try to ensure future vessels are made by a Canadian company.."I agree, it's not ideal that the ferry award went to China," Eby said during a press conference on Tuesday, "but re-opening would mean a delay in delivering ferries for British Columbians who are desperate for them, it would mean significantly increased costs, and at this point I'm not prepared to do that."He made it clear that getting new ships in BC waters as quick as possible was his main objective."I see an opportunity to work with the federal government to ensure that ferries five through eight are delivered right here at home," Eby continued. "We've got work to do ... this has illustrated a serious issue that we have to work with the federal government on, and at the end of the day, people need to get to work, and need to be able to rely on our marine transport system, and that's what they're gonna do.".China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards — a subsidiary of a "state-owned enterprise directly administered by the central government" that is "closely linked" to China's military — was tapped to build four new ships for the transportation service provider following a five-year procurement process..BC Conservatives call on Eby to cancel BC Ferries contract with Chinese company.The BC Conservatives argued that the decision "puts British Columbia's economy and Canada's security at risk, at a time when tariffs and trade tension with China are at the top of the national and international agenda.""Premier Eby put on a big show of not stopping in China on his trade mission to Asia," MLA and Transportation Critic Harman Bhangu said. "Then the NDP sends billions of dollars to a state-owned shipyard in China."
