COQUITLAM — Gregor Robertson, the minister overseeing the federal agency that financed a contract for B.C. Ferries to purchase ships from China, stated that Canada must enhance its efforts to protect domestic jobs and the economy. He emphasized the need for a more robust “buy Canada” policy, which he believes has historically lagged behind the “Buy American” strategy in the United States.

Robertson is in charge of the Canada Infrastructure Bank, which is providing a $1 billion loan to B.C. Ferries for the acquisition of four new electric-diesel vessels from China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards. In response to inquiries about the decision to source ships from a Chinese state-owned company, he clarified that the choice was made by B.C. Ferries and is “not directly related to the federal government.” He noted that the implementation of a “buy Canada” approach is being pursued across various government sectors.

During his visit to Coquitlam, Robertson announced that another federal economic development agency is allocating nearly $7 million to two businesses focused on waste reduction technologies. The funding from Pacific Economic Development Canada includes $4.9 million for Moment Energy, a company that creates energy storage systems using repurposed electric vehicle batteries. According to PacifiCan, Moment Energy is the first North American company certified to repurpose EV batteries, extending their lifespan by an additional 10 to 15 years.

Moment Energy's CEO, Edward Chiang, spoke at the press conference held at the company’s Coquitlam facility. He stated that the firm aims to prevent EV batteries from ending up in landfills. The funding will enable Moment Energy to expand its manufacturing capabilities and support energy needs across North America.

Additionally, $1.8 million will be allocated to Novo Textile Company to assist in its initiative to combine recycled textile fibers with wood pulp to create new textiles. This project is expected to divert approximately 7,000 tonnes of waste clothing from landfills each year.