In my report last week, I referenced a controversial decision by BC Ferries to purchase four new ferries from a state-owned shipyard controlled by the Chinese Communist government.

Part of the controversy stems from the fact that the federal Liberal government made it clear to the B.C. NDP provincial government that they must “verify and confirm with utmost certainty that no federal funding will be diverted to support the acquisition of these new ferries.”

It was later revealed that, despite the federal Liberal government's objection, the entire $1 billion ferry acquisition is being financed by the federally created Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB).

When the Liberals created the CIB, they promised it would attract foreign investment into Canada’s economy. Yet now we see Canadian taxpayer loans being used to fund shipbuilding in China.

Given this contradiction—on one hand, the federal government demanded that “no federal funding will be diverted,” while on the other, it is fully financing the deal—a special meeting of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (TRAN) was convened in Ottawa.

At the TRAN committee meeting, I tabled the following motion:
“That, pursuant to Standing Order 108, the committee urgently undertake a study of the Canada Infrastructure Bank decision to provide $1 billion in low-interest financing to BC Ferries for the purchase of new vessels from a Chinese state-owned shipyard.”

The motion also called for specific witnesses to appear and laid out a proposed timeline.

The good news is that this motion received unanimous support from the committee—including from the Liberal members of TRAN—which means we now have all-party support to study this matter further.

Canadians deserve answers on this important topic, and it's encouraging to see Parliament taking this seriously.

This brings me to my question of the week:
Do you believe these ferries should be built in China at the lowest possible cost, or should Canadian tax dollars only finance projects that are built in Canada, supporting Canadian jobs and industry?

You can join the discussion on my Facebook page. I also welcome your thoughts by email at [email protected] or by calling my 24/7 toll-free line at 1-800-665-8711.