[LabComm] Public has right to know why BC Ferries moving jobs and opportunities overseas, says James

[BC NDP NEWSWIRE]

- NDP Leader demands accountability on decision to exclude BC bids on 
new super class ferries –

Vancouver – NDP Leader Carole James today said that the public has a right to know why BC Ferries has decided to build three new super class ferries in Europe while excluding BC-based bids.  

James said that given BC’s forgone economic benefits and opportunities associated with the construction of these new ferries, the Campbell government must provide the public with a thorough explanation for its decision.

“Gordon Campbell has shielded BC Ferries from public accountability by exempting the corporation from the most basic laws protecting taxpayers, like Freedom of Information,” said James.  “As a result, BC Ferries is moving jobs and economic opportunities overseas with no explanation or public rationale.  Taxpayers and ferry users deserve better treatment.”

James said that as a quasi-public crown corporation, BC Ferries spends taxpayer dollars and therefore should be subject to public oversight.  Moreover, with the Campbell government’s record of making important business decisions from the Premier’s Office, there is no reason why BC Ferries should be allowed to operate without public scrutiny.

“Gordon Campbell personally fired Nick Geer from ICBC for doing a good job providing public auto insurance.  Now he’s letting BC Ferries exclude BC-based bids on new ferry construction.  He owes British Columbians an explanation on important crown corporation decisions such as these.”

In April, Washington Marine Group, which owns the Vancouver Shipyards, confirmed that they were not invited to bid on the construction of new super class ferries. James said that it doesn’t make sense to deny BC-based companies the opportunity to compete on a level playing field with their overseas shipbuilding rivals.  

“BC-based companies should be given the chance to compete and to win contracts paid for with tax dollars,” said James.  “If the Premier really did believe in the strength of BC business, he would ensure that they were at the table with and given the chance to show what they can do.”

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