Delegates at the BC NDP convention have taken the unusual step of challenging their own government's approach to ferry construction, calling for vessels to be built within the province rather than overseas.
Internal Pressure for Local Shipbuilding
During the party's recent convention, New Democrat delegates passed a resolution demanding that the provincial government require BC Ferries to construct new vessels in British Columbia shipyards. This move represents significant internal pressure on Premier David Eby's administration to prioritize local manufacturing and job creation.
The resolution comes as BC Ferries continues to update its aging fleet, with recent vessels being constructed in European shipyards. Delegates argued that keeping ferry construction within the province would support local shipbuilding jobs and strengthen British Columbia's industrial capacity.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Advocates for local ferry construction emphasize the substantial economic benefits that would flow from building vessels within the province. The shipbuilding industry in British Columbia has the capacity to handle such projects, and keeping construction local would mean millions of dollars remaining within the provincial economy.
The push aligns with the NDP's traditional support for unionized manufacturing jobs and local economic development. However, it creates a challenging position for the government, which must balance these ideals against potentially higher costs and longer timelines associated with local construction.
Government Response and Future Implications
The resolution places the BC NDP government in a delicate position, having to respond to demands from its own party base while managing practical considerations of ferry procurement. The government has previously cited cost competitiveness and delivery timelines as factors in its shipbuilding decisions.
This internal debate highlights the ongoing tension within governing parties between ideological principles and practical governance. The resolution, passed on November 15, 2025, now puts pressure on Transportation Minister and other cabinet members to reconsider current procurement strategies for BC Ferries' fleet renewal program.
The outcome of this internal party push could have significant implications for British Columbia's shipbuilding industry and the future of marine transportation in the province.
