British Columbia's Transport Minister Mike Farnworth has expressed concerns to BC Ferries about its decision to award a contract for four new ferries to China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards. Farnworth is worried about procuring services from a country 'actively harming Canada’s economy' amid ongoing trade conflicts, despite BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez prioritizing a good deal.
B.C. Transport Minister raised concerns with BC Ferries over construction deal with Chinese shipyard
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British Columbia's Transport Minister Mike Farnworth has expressed concerns to BC Ferries about its decision to award a contract for four new ferries to China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards. Farnworth is worried about procuring services from a country 'actively harming Canada’s economy' amid ongoing trade conflicts, despite BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez prioritizing a good deal.
Trending- 1 Recent past: BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez announces that China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards won the contract for four new ferries.
- 2 Hours after the announcement: B.C. Transport Minister Mike Farnworth raises concerns with BC Ferries.
- 3 2029: The first new vessel is expected to come into service.
- Political disagreement between a provincial minister and a Crown corporation
- Potential for public debate over government procurement policies and international trade relations
- Impact on the Canadian shipbuilding industry
What: British Columbia’s Transport Minister Mike Farnworth raised concerns with BC Ferries regarding its decision to award a contract for four new ferries to a Chinese shipyard, China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards.
When: Hours after the announcement (Farnworth's remarks), recently (announcement by Jimenez).
Where: British Columbia, Canada (for BC Ferries operations); China (for shipyard location).
Why: Farnworth is concerned about procuring services from a country (China) that is 'actively harming Canada’s economy' with tariffs and protectionism, and is disappointed that more Canadian shipyards were not involved. BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez prioritized getting a 'good deal' for the province.
How: Farnworth issued a statement expressing his concerns to BC Ferries. Nicolas Jimenez announced the contract award.