Discussion · Oral Questions
Gord Johns NDP
“Past Conservative and Liberal governments cut taxes on foreign-built ferries, which sent jobs overseas instead of helping Canadian shipyards. I want the government to use the next budget to help Canada build, repair, and recycle ships, including in Port Alberni, to create good union jobs.”
“Mr. Speaker, BC Ferries has parted ways with its CEO, but that will not build shipyards. Conservatives and Liberals blame BC Ferries for sending jobs overseas, but Ottawa shares responsibility. Conservatives eliminated the 25% tariff on foreign-built large ferries. Then the Liberals extended it to all ferries. That revenue could have built Canadian shipyards. BC Building Trades and the Build Them Here coalition demand action. Will the Liberal government commit in this budget to expand Canada’s capacity to build, repair and recycle ships, including in Port Alberni, creating good-paying union jobs?”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, BC Ferries has parted ways with its CEO, but that will not build shipyards. Conservatives and Liberals blame BC Ferries for sending jobs overseas, but Ottawa shares responsibility. Conservatives eliminated the 25% tariff on foreign-built large ferries. Then the Liberals extended it to all ferries. That revenue could have built Canadian shipyards. BC Building Trades and the Build Them Here coalition demand action. Will the Liberal government commit in this budget to expand Canada’s capacity to build, repair and recycle ships, including in Port Alberni, creating good-paying union jobs?