Editor:
In response to the B.C. Ferry Commission’s invitation for comments on the proposed purchase of new vessels for B.C. Ferries, I would like to make my position clear.
I am absolutely against awarding a contract to any firm outside Canada and would preferably like to see it awarded within B.C. I am aware that doing this may increase the cost but I am willing to see our province and country absorb this increased cost to keep the construction within Canada.
If there are no firms capable of fulfilling this proposal then I suggest we delay the awarding of such until someone is capable or available. This may mean a delay of several years but so be it.
I feel it is imperative we give our citizens the opportunity to build these vessels, thrive and contribute to our economy. I am tired of hearing the litany of excuses and reasons why they can't be awarded locally.
It is time we bit the proverbial bullet and started bringing good jobs back home.
Cliff Matson
