On September 8, 2026, seventeen Canadian maritime and port unions launched the "Build Them Here" initiative to compel the provincial operator BC Ferries to award the construction of its future vessels to British Columbia shipyards rather than overseas suppliers. The labor mobilization, which includes the United Steelworkers and the BC Ferry & Marine Workers' Union, comes in response to a major order placed with Chinese firm CMI Weihai for four ferries slated for delivery by the end of the decade, part of a massive fleet renewal program envisioning eighteen new vessels over fifteen years. Labor organizations are urging the provincial government to tie public funding directly to safeguarding local jobs and bolstering the Pacific Coast shipbuilding industry.

The decision to offshore production to Asia carries severe repercussions for the operational continuity and logistical management of Canadian maritime routes. Union representatives warn that importing foreign vessels leaves island ferry links vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions, driving up maintenance delays and spare part procurement costs. In contrast, building ships domestically would ensure a rapid-response support network powered by local skilled labor, preventing essential service interruptions for coastal communities while curbing the financial impact of relying on overseas suppliers.

The "Build Them Here" campaign unfolds against a geopolitical backdrop marked by rising trade tensions, where industrial sovereignty and self-reliance in strategic transportation have become paramount for national security. The workers' demands enjoy strong support among local residents, who favor policies protecting regional shipbuilding heritage and maritime mobility. Investing in domestic ferry production will modernize navigation infrastructure, stimulate the regional economy, and forge an increasingly resilient, efficient, and sustainable ferry network.