Minister concerned over B.C. Ferries’ construction deal with Chinese shipyard [Video]

British Columbia’s transport minister has raised concerns with B.C. Ferries about its decision to have a Chinese shipyard build four new ferries for its passenger fleet, amid an ongoing trade conflict between Canada and China.

The winning bidder on the contract announced Tuesday is Chinese state-owned China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards.

Mike Farnworth said in a statement he was worried about procuring services from “any country that is actively harming Canada’s economy” with tariffs and protectionism.

“B.C. Ferries is an independent company responsible for its own operational decisions,” Farnworth said.

“While B.C. Ferries has made its decision to purchase new vessels offshore, I am disappointed more involvement from Canadian shipyards was not part of the contract.”

Farnworth’s remarks came hours after the announcement by B.C. Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez that the Chinese shipyard …