Union coalition demands BC Ferries build next fleet in British Columbia

A coalition of more than 15 unions, representing over 7,000 marine industry workers, has launched the ‘Build Them Here’ campaign. The group is demanding that BC Ferries construct its next fleet of vessels within British Columbia rather than outsourcing production to overseas companies, specifically China.

Union leaders, including Brynn Bourke of the BC Building Trades, argue that local shipbuilding provides essential economic support for thousands of families and reduces reliance on global supply chains for repairs and parts. The campaign follows reports that BC Ferries selected a Chinese company for its new Summit Class vessels.

BC Ferries responded by stating that while they support domestic capacity, a rigorous global procurement process was conducted. The company claims that although two Canadian shipyards expressed interest, neither submitted a final proposal for the contract. BC Ferries maintains it adjusted qualification criteria specifically to encourage domestic participation.