A coalition of marine industry unions is calling on B.C. Ferries to ensure future ferries are built in the province following the recent breakdown in trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S.
About two dozen labour unions and groups representing shipbuilders, operators and related industries launched a campaign Monday calling for future ferry construction to take place in B.C.
Brynn Bourke, executive director of B.C. Building Trades, said the latest escalation in the trade war has highlighted the need to support Canadian industries.
“In this moment, we can either lean into our long and proud history of shipbuilding in B.C. and rebuild an industry that has supported thousands of British Columbians and their families for decades or we can let this once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring ferry construction home pass us by and continue building ferries in China,” said Bourke.
B.C. Ferries announced in June 2025 that a Chinese shipyard would build four new vessels to replace some of the oldest ferries in its fleet. The move sparked criticism from unions, industry groups and politicians, including then-federal transport minister Chrystia Freeland.
The company said the decision followed a “rigorous global procurement process” and that no Canadian shipyards submitted a bid.
B.C. Ferries has said it could build up to seven new major vessels in the coming years, with four currently approved and being built in China.
Eric McNeely, provincial president of the B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers Union, said building ships overseas can sometimes lead to more complicated repairs and maintenance.
“We know that ships built overseas sometimes require international teams to be flown in for repairs and for custom parts to be shipped long distances,” said McNeely. “Buying overseas doesn’t end when the ship arrives. It follows us for the life of the vessel.”
McNeely said it is not surprising that no Canadian shipyards were prepared to build the four new vessels, considering all major new vessels that have entered the B.C. Ferries fleet since the early 2000s have been built in Europe.
“We’ve been sending valuable shipbuilding work overseas, out of country for more than 20 years, so is it really a surprise that Canadian shipbuilders weren’t waiting by the phone when B.C. Ferries called? ” he said. “Canadian shipyards won’t keep workers, equipment, and space for ferry orders that never come.”
“With a plan and a commitment from both levels of government for steady work, we can build ferries here in B.C., just like we used to, keeping dollars at work in our community and paychecks in our pockets,” said McNeely.
Scott Lunny, director of United Steelworkers District 3, also said the provincial and federal governments need to take leading roles in rebuilding B.C.’s capacity.
“This coalition is a start, but our provincial government needs to take up the reins and bring together shipbuilding companies, workers, B.C. ferries, training institutions and Ottawa to build a long-term shipbuilding strategy for this province,” said Lunny.
B.C. Ferries is an independently run company, with the provincial Crown as its sole shareholder.
The company said in a statement it supports a strong shipbuilding industry in B.C. and works extensively with B.C. shipyards, suppliers and marine companies.
“Building the capacity to compete for large passenger-vessel construction requires investment by government and industry. Without that support, the additional cost of building locally would fall to ferry customers,” it said.
Premier David Eby has previously said it was concerning that no Canadian companies bid on the contract that was eventually awarded to a Chinese shipyard.
But he defended the move by B.C. Ferries, saying the new vessels are urgently needed to replace aging vessels that are well past their 45-year operational lifespan.
The B.C. government’s current Look West economic strategy for the maritime sector is largely focused on securing federal defence vessel contracts. One of its key goals is to secure 35 per cent of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy contracts by 2035.
“Building a competitive domestic shipbuilding industry requires long-term investment and partnership between government, industry, labour and training providers,” said B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation and Transit in an emailed statement Monday. “B.C. already has a strong marine sector, and we will continue advocating for federal investments that support shipbuilding and marine industrial capacity in our province.”
The ministry noted that B.C. Ferries expects to spend more than $230 million in the province on refits and scheduled maintenance for the four new major vessels during their first 10 years of service.
The first vessel is expected to enter service in 2029.
