ferries Shipyards and ferries share a crucial role. Serge Buy, CEO, Canadian Ferry Operators Association
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few years ago, the federal government decided to try and end the constant boom and bust cycle experienced by shipyards in Canada. It designed some procurement vehicles (mainly through the Department of National Defence) that would be directed towards the Canadian shipyard industry. This was welcome news for the thousands of employees and potential new hires that would benefit from this effort to renew the sector. The National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy also has another positive impact: it allows Canadian shipyards to upgrade their facilities and make strategic investments to allow them to become even more competitive in the next few years. This makes their operations more sustainable. Shipyards that are not involved in DND-related contracts will also see an increase in their orders, as their colleagues will be too busy to take new orders. The Canadian government was right to invest in this important industry that has played a significant economic role in our past and will continue to do so into the future. The Canadian Ferry Operators Association (CFOA) supported the strategic investments made by our federal government and the announcements made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Public Works and Government Services Canada Minister Rona Ambrose and National Defence Minister Peter MacKay. Having a robust and
52 BC Shipping News July/August 2013
competitive shipyard industry right here in Canada can only benefit Canadian ferry operators, and it is key to a successful maritime sector in Canada. While Steve Martin and John Candy had a great hit with their movie titled “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” in 1987, the movie missed the ferry sector (and our members could have provided plenty of source material). This omission highlights the fact that most Canadians and North Americans do not consider the ferry sector when thinking about transportation. Unfortunately, they also take it for granted. However, the thousands of employees, the billions of dollars in capital assets, and the strategic importance of the ferry sector to our economy make it crucial to Canada’s continued success. Our country was founded on exploration and the transportation of goods and people. Today, some areas of our country are only accessible by ferries. Ferries help millions of passengers go to work or go from an airport on an island to land. Some regions (Vancouver Island being a prime example) rely heavily on ferries, which are the primary mode of transportation for tourists, businesses, residents and goods to and from the island. Provincial and federal governments
are facing difficult financial challenges. The economic recovery is still not very strong, and while figures have improved, public finances are in shambles. Governments are looking at cuts to try and balance their books and pay off debt. We recognize the need for that. However, it is important that we don’t end up stifling growth and development through austerity. Strategic investments still need to be made. The ferry sector needs continued government support in the same manner other transportation infrastructure projects are receiving public support. Bridges, highways and other road projects are highly visible, and therefore they benefit from public support when investments are made. However, we must not forget to enhance our capacity to move people and goods by ferries. For many regions, ferries are the engines of economic development. They enable growth and create employment. The shipyard industry has received public support through federal government procurement opportunities. Its development and growth will enable Canadian ferry operators to consider building new ships in Canada (when feasible and possible). The two sectors are linked and should support each other for mutual benefit. The Canadian Ferry Operators Association will hold its annual conference in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, in September. At the conference, attendees will be able to see the unveiling of a new study designed to highlight the economic and social importance of the ferry sector in Canada. Should you be interested in attending, please visit our website: www.cfoa.ca.