Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I would like to thank the witnesses for being here today.
The Canada Infrastructure Bank's mandate is to support projects that stimulate the Canadian economy. You explained that very well earlier. However, you are not responsible for companies that apply to have projects carried out elsewhere.
The situation involving the contract awarded to BC Ferries for the construction of its four ships has shaken us up a bit, given the current context and the crisis facing the steel and aluminum sectors. So it makes sense that awarding the contract to a Chinese company is disappointing to the Canadian market. Moreover, if BC Ferries' content requirements had been presented to you with a product manufactured in Canada, you would not even be here today.
Can you tell us how your organization has been analyzing this situation?
Do you still have some sort of power to provide recommendations? Can you ask what they are considering as part of their process?
We understand that BC Ferries has gone through three very important stages, namely pre-feasibility, design and tenders. During this process, were you consulted and did you make any recommendations?