INCREASE DEFENSE SPENDING - THEN BUYS CHINESE-BUILT FERRIES

 

Defending Against Threats 

By Funding Them?

At a time when Canada is increasing its defense spending to 2% of GDP due to 'global uncertainty' and rising geopolitical tensions, particularly with authoritarian regimes like China, it is deeply troubling to learn that BC Ferries has awarded a contract to build four of our ships to a Chinese state-owned shipyard.

This isn't just an economic decision — it's a strategic error. Relying on a country many consider a threat to our sovereignty for critical infrastructure undermines the very goals of our defense strategy. Ferries aren’t just commercial assets; they are part of our vital infrastructure and coastal lifeline. And in any true emergency, they could become strategic assets.

Why, then, are we turning to the CCP — a regime under intense scrutiny by our own intelligence services — for something we used to build right here in Canada? We had the fourth-largest naval manufacturing capacity in the world during WWII. We once built our own ships. Why not now?

The Prime Minister needs to step in and ensure that public funds, especially for critical infrastructure, stay in Canada. It’s not just about jobs. It’s about sovereignty.