We are a group of BC unions and hundreds of marine suppliers, businesses and workers advocating to keep shipbuilding jobs and money in BC.
“This is an incredible opportunity for all B.C. shipyards and workers. It’s a huge financial benefit to the province to have shipbuilding return to British Columbia.”
Phil Venoit is the business manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 230, the union represents marine electrical workers on Vancouver Island. He appeared on CBC Radio’s On The Coast with Gloria Macarenko to discuss the competitiveness and reliability of B.C.’s shipyards and the financial benefits of keeping shipbuilding local.
Click here to listen to the interview, which aired on April 17, 2024.
Union wants B.C. ferries built locally
In the News
Recent news highlights
What Our Supporters Are Saying
“BC Ferries’ New Major Vessels program presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build ferries in BC and invest in local, skilled, high-value jobs and the continued economic resilience of our province.”
— Patrick Stafford-Smith, CEO, North Vancouver Chamber
"Our members have never been more ready to build Ferries right here in BC. We are proud to have been involved in the six major vessels built and underway at Seaspan and we encourage the BC Government to give our members the chance to have a part in BC Ferries future fleet."
— Walter Gerlach IAMAW Northwest District 250
"We have a long and proud history of building ferries that service communities across B.C. Keeping shipbuilding local means our members and their hardworking families can have a brighter future right here at home. We support a build-in-B.C. approach to ferries.”
— Brynn Bourke, Executive Director, BC Building Trades
"Our members stand with all workers in BC’s shipbuilding industry who have grown their skills and have demonstrated that we are ready and able to build B.C. Ferries’ future fleet and keep jobs for hardworking families at home."
— A.D. Al Phillips, UA170, RSE, Business Manager/Financial Secretary
“Local ships mean local jobs — and a better future for local workers. By building BC ferries here, we can help BC workers make the most of the opportunity of a generation."
— Sussanne Skidmore, President, BC Federation of Labour.
“We represent over 1000 proud British Columbians who want to see our future ferries built here at home and be part of a made-in BC success story.” Marine and Shipbuilders Local 506
— Shawn Sly, Marine and Shipbuilders Local 506
“Representing more than 3500 apprentices and journeypersons in British Columbia we proudly support local shipbuilding and call on the BC Government to make a decision that would ensure our members aren't shut out of the largest shipbuilding procurement in B.C.'s history."
— Mike Logan, RSE, IBEW Local 213
Let’s work together.
Are you Interested in joining the cause, email us at Info@BuildFerriesBC.ca