As a resident of North Saanich and frequent user of the BC Ferry system, I am outraged by the conclusion rendered by the BC Ferries board of directors. The procurement deal is with China to build four major ferry vessels at China’s Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards. It seems to me that we can do better than supporting a country that is causing harm to Canada through tariffs.
While the CEO may state this is the best deal for British Columbia, it is a rationalization that does not adequately address the decision-making process. The decision, in my view, is both frivolous and irresponsible and was made without due diligence.
The board of directors appears not to have an understanding of the impact their outrageous decisions will have on our communities and moral values. Instead of making deals and supporting China, we should look to our allies and ensure our money supports the same values as we have as British Columbians.
The best deal for British Columbia would obviously be to bring jobs to B.C. through the respective trades and implementing an innovative shipbuilding strategy for the province. B.C.'s premier and the provincial government have a responsibility to step in and put an end to this madness.
Daryl Barnett
North Saanich
