Transport, Infrastructure and Communities

The committee debated a Conservative motion to study the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s $1-billion low-interest loan to BC Ferries for new vessels built at a Chinese state-owned shipyard. The motion called for one meeting with the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, the CEO of the Canada Infrastructure Bank, and the CEO of BC Ferries, each appearing separately for an hour. It also proposed that immediately after witness testimony, a member from an opposition party could move a motion containing recommendations, with one hour of debate and a vote before adjournment.

A Liberal member moved an amendment to strike the final paragraph, arguing that recommendations should not be predetermined and should follow expert analysis by the committee’s analyst. A Bloc Québécois member moved a substitute amendment, proposing that after testimony, the committee devote one hour to deciding what action to take, rather than automatically proceeding to a motion with recommendations. This amendment aimed to give the committee more flexibility, including the option to hold further meetings.

Conservative members argued that the loan effectively subsidized Chinese jobs and undermined Canadian shipbuilding and steelworkers, especially during U.S. tariffs. Liberal members supported the study but cautioned against prejudging witness testimony, noting that Canadian shipyards were at capacity and that the ferries were critical for British Columbia’s coastal communities. The committee did not conclude debate or vote on the motion or amendments before adjourning.