VICTORIA — Canada's transport minister says she is "dismayed" 小蓝视频 Ferries contracted a Chinese state-owned shipyard to build four new vessels in the current geopolitical context that includes "unjustified" tariffs on Canada.
Chrystia Freeland, in a letter to her 小蓝视频 counterpart Mike Farnworth, said she expects 小蓝视频 Ferries to inform her of all measures it plans to take to "mitigate any security risks," including cybersecurity problems that might arise.
小蓝视频 Ferries announced this month it had contracted China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards to build four new major vessels, following a five-year procurement process that did not include a Canadian bid.
In her letter, Freeland said she was surprised 小蓝视频 Ferries does not have a mandate for an "appropriate level" of Canadian procurement, given the value of the contract, although the dollar figure hasn't been made public.
A statement from Farnworth's ministry said it was reviewing the letter, adding that Farnworth had spoken with Freeland about bolstering 小蓝视频's shipbuilding industry.
小蓝视频 Ferries, in a statement, said the Chinese bid was the strongest by a "significant margin" and that security was a top priority and added all sensitive systems would be sourced separately and independently certified before the vessels enter service.
Farnworth's comments echo those of 小蓝视频 Premier David Eby, who has promised to work with Ottawa to build up capacities in 小蓝视频 for future vessels.
Eby also has said the province wouldn't interfere in 小蓝视频 Ferries' decision, citing the needs of coastal communities and 小蓝视频 Ferries' operational independence.
小蓝视频 Ferries is an independent company, with the province being its sole shareholder.
Freeland said she expects "assurances" that 小蓝视频 Ferries conducts a "robust risk assessment" and that it engages with the relevant federal and provincial security agencies and departments.
The letter also asks 小蓝视频 to "verify and confirm with utmost certainty" that no federal funding will be diverted to support the purchase of these new ferries.
Freeland said the federal government has a long record of providing financial support to 小蓝视频 ferries, including a federal subsidy of $37.8 million in 2025-26 dating back to a 1977 agreement.
Other forms of federal financial support have included $308 million to cover operational losses caused by COVID-19 and to limit average fare increases, Freeland said.
She added the Canada Infrastructure Bank has given 小蓝视频 Ferries a loan of $75 million to help purchase four net-zero emission ferries and install the necessary infrastructure.
The existence of Freeland's letter came to light earlier this week during Question Period in the House of Commons, when she faced questions about the 小蓝视频 Ferries' purchase from 小蓝视频 MP Dan Albas.
"(I) share the concern and anger of other member of this House about the purchase of Chinese ferries," Freeland said during debate.
"I have written to the Province of 小蓝视频 to make it clear that the federal government's support for 小蓝视频 Ferries, which is explicitly for operating support, must not be used for anything other than the operation of ferries."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 20, 2025.
Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press
