VICTORIA, B.C.: Conservatives are calling out Premier David Eby for refusing to use the very powers he pushed through the Legislature under Bill 7 – the Economic Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act — to stop BC Ferries from purchasing vessels from China.
“David Eby spent weeks in the Legislature justifying Bill 7 as necessary to defend BC’s economy from foreign tariffs and economic threats,” said Prince George–Mackenzie MLA Kiel Giddens. “Now, faced with China’s tariffs on Canadian goods and BC Ferries awarding shipbuilding contracts to China, the Premier says he’s powerless. That’s simply not true.”
Under Bill 7, the Eby government gave itself sweeping authority to direct procurement by Crown Corporations and Government-owned entities. Section 7 explicitly allows Cabinet to override existing procurement laws and issue binding directives.
“The law is crystal clear,” Giddens said. “Premier Eby has the power—right now—to stop BC Ferries from buying ferries from China. The question is: will he use it?”
During debate on the bill, Attorney General Niki Sharma admitted the government “has control over how we spend our money” and that procurement directives are within provincial authority. Yet, she also tried to deflect responsibility, citing “Team Canada” discussions with Ottawa.
“This is about standing up for BC workers,” said Giddens. “If the Premier won’t use the powers he forced through the Legislature, it proves Bill 7 was nothing but political theatre.”
The Official Opposition is demanding that Premier Eby immediately issue a procurement directive to BC Ferries, stopping any purchase of ferries from China and prioritizing BC and Canadian shipyards instead.
-30-
Media Contact:
Ryan Painter
Director of Communications
Conservative Caucus Communications Team
1-672-922-1766
