B.C. Conservative MLA, Harman Bhangu, argues against the hiring of a state-owned Chinese shipyard due to security concerns and lost job opportunities.

By Carolina Avendano | The Epoch Times

In Brief by Probe International

Harman Bhangu, the B.C. Conservative MLA for Langley-Abbotsford, has called a decision by BC Ferries to hire a state-owned Chinese shipyard to build four new vessels a security and moral risk that is “literally funding” the People’s Liberation Army. [See: ‘Funding the Communist Army’: Why This BC MLA Is Asking for BC Ferries’ Deal to Be Canceled With Chinese Shipyard]

The decision to hire China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards by BC Ferries, a publicly owned ferry operator, was made after a global procurement process and is expected to save approximately $1.2 billion compared to building the ships in Europe. However, Bhangu argues that this deal could inadvertently fund China’s hostile activities, including foreign interference and military expansion, as the shipyard is linked to the Chinese Communist Party and the People’s Liberation Army.

Bhangu also highlights moral issues related to potential forced labor practices in China and criticizes the message sent to British Columbian workers, suggesting that the choice of a cheaper foreign contractor undermines local job opportunities. He believes that if the deal were canceled, Canadian shipyards, such as Seaspan, could build the vessels, providing good-paying jobs and keeping the money within the province.

The move by BC Ferries touches on the challenges faced by Canadian shipyards, including the industrial carbon tax, which makes it difficult for them to compete with foreign companies. Bhangu suggests that BC Ferries could consider partnering with U.S. shipyards instead, emphasizing the importance of supporting domestic industries over foreign state-owned enterprises. The federal government has expressed disappointment with the procurement decision, advocating for prioritizing Canadian companies and addressing national security concerns. Premier David Eby has stated that while he does not support the choice of the Chinese shipyard, he will not reopen the procurement process due to the urgent need for new vessels.

Read the full report at the publisher’s website here.