[LabComm] James calls BC Ferries' decision to shut out BC firms and build overseas outrageous

[BC NDP NEWSWIRE]

-- NDP Leader calls on Premier to release details of BC Ferries' contract with German firm --

VICTORIA -- NDP Leader Carole James said BC Ferries' decision to ship thousands of jobs and over $500 million of investment to Germany is outrageous. She said the Premier should immediately release the contractual details to the public.

"It doesn't make any sense to deny our own workers the chance to compete with their German competitors for BC tax dollars," said James. "The Premier has shown no leadership for BC on this issue, hiding behind an out-of-control BC Ferries CEO."

James spoke to a rally outside of BC Ferries earlier today, telling workers that the NDP will continue to stand up for their jobs.

"Gordon Campbell is saying that we don't have what it takes to build our own ships. I disagree," said James. "No one is asking to give BC workers special treatment, just a level playing field and a chance to show what they can do. Why does the Premier think that is too much to ask?"

James said the NDP will push to make BC Ferries more accountable. She said that the public has a right to know why its tax dollars are being shipped out of the province.

"British Columbians are furious about this decision. They subsidize BC Ferries with their tax dollars to the tune of more than $100 million a year. And they pay for those ships with their fares. Taxpayers deserve a measure of accountability from BC Ferries' executive. And the NDP will work day in and day out to get answers and to restore public oversight."

James said a new NDP government would reverse the privatization of BC Ferries, restore the company to full Crown corporation status and re-institute legislative oversight, while at the same time protecting the company from undue political interference. She said the NDP would also force company practices into the open through tough freedom of information laws.

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