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DELTA, B.C. – A new coalition of unions has launched Build Them Here, a campaign calling on BC Ferries to build future ferries in the province.

“The need to buy Canadian and build Canadian has grown even more critical in the last 10 days. In this moment, we can either lean into our long and proud history of shipbuilding in B.C. and rebuild an industry that has supported thousands of British Columbians and their families for decades or we can let this once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring ferry �鶹��ýӳ�� home pass us by and continue building ferries in China,” said Brynn Bourke, executive director of the BC Building Trades in a statement. “B.C. shipbuilders are world class. The next round of ferries should be built now and built here.”

More than 15 unions, representing over 7,000 workers in the province’s marine industry including shipbuilders and operators, as well as workers in related industries have come together to launch this new campaign, explains a release.

The debate around BC Ferries has been ongoing. In July 2025, several unions released an ad calling for new BC Ferries procurement of its next new major vessels.

A poll conducted by Leger in November also showed public support for rebuilding B.C.’s shipbuilding industry: 84 per cent of British Columbians want a plan to keep shipbuilding jobs in B.C. and 61 per cent say ferries should be built in the province.

“Four new ferries should have meant years of good jobs and economic activity in B.C. Instead, BC Ferries sent that work to China. Public dollars should support B.C. workers and build a stronger economy here at home,” said Scott Lunny, director of United Steelworkers District 3.

The Build Them Here coalition is asking members of the public to join the campaign and send a letter to BC Ferries.

“When our ferries are built overseas, British Columbia is at the mercy of global supply chains for parts and repairs. That means increased costs and delays for the communities that depend on ferry service. Our members have seen repairs delayed and delayed again as we wait for international teams to be flown in to fix things a local supplier could have fixed at home if we had used locally made parts,” added Eric McNeely, president of the BC Ferry & Marine Workers Union.

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