The BC Conservatives are calling for Premier David Eby to exercise the powers granted to him by Bill 7 to block a multi-billion-dollar contract awarded to a Chinese company by BC Ferries.
Under Bill 7, the BC NDP now has the authority to direct procurement by Crown Corporations and other government-owned entities, giving Premier Eby the ability to intervene. Prince George–Mackenzie MLA Kiel Giddens is urging the Premier to stop BC Ferries from purchasing new vessels from China, claiming that Eby should use the legislation to protect BC workers.
According to Giddens, Section 7 of the bill clearly allows Cabinet to override procurement laws and issue binding directives. He has criticized the Premier for not taking action, saying if Eby doesn’t use the powers, it would show that Bill 7 was simply political theatre.
The four ferries will be built by China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards, a subsidiary of a Chinese state-owned enterprise. The BC Conservatives argue that Canadian companies were excluded from bidding, despite an opportunity for the ships to be built in Norway, a country aligned with Canadian values.
Premier Eby has voiced dissatisfaction with the contract but remains focused on ensuring future ships are built in Canada.
