Canada needs to catch up with U.S. on job protection, minister says, in response to Chinese ferry deal
Gregor Robertson, the minister overseeing the federal agency that assisted in funding a B.C. Ferries contract to purchase ships from China, recently emphasized the importance of Canada catching up to the United States in terms of safeguarding domestic jobs and the economy.
According to Robertson, Ottawa is exploring the implementation of a “buy Canada” policy, which he believes has historically not been as robust as the “buy American” approach adopted by our neighbors to the south. The minister is in charge of the Canada Infrastructure Bank, which is playing a role in financing the acquisition of four new electric-diesel ships from China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards through a $1-billion loan to B.C. Ferries.
Despite questions about the decision to procure ships from a Chinese state-owned company, Robertson clarified that the federal government was not directly involved in the choice, which was made by B.C. Ferries.
During a media briefing in Coquitlam, B.C., Robertson announced that another federal economic development agency is providing nearly $7 million to support two businesses working on technologies to reduce waste. Pacific Economic Development Canada is allocating $4.9 million to Moment Energy, a company that specializes in producing energy storage systems using repurposed electric vehicle batteries. The funding aims to aid Moment in expanding its manufacturing capabilities and facilitating the powering of communities across North America.
Additionally, $1.8 million will be directed to Novo Textile Company to assist in its efforts to combine recycled textile fibers with wood pulp to create new textiles. This initiative is expected to divert approximately 7,000 tonnes of waste clothing from landfills annually.
Robertson’s remarks underscore the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable practices and supporting innovative solutions to address environmental challenges while boosting the Canadian economy.
