A commentary by the ­chairman of the Canadian Marine ­Industries and Shipbuilding Association.

We are disappointed in B.C. ­Ferries once again.

Some of our members tried to respond to the request for a ­proposal regarding the four major vessels B.C. Ferries is having built. They concluded, however, that the competition was skewed toward Asian and European builders.

In our opinion, it could never have been a Canadian shipyard or supplier.

During the prolonged ­process — the second tendering attempt by B.C. Ferries for these ­vessels — some of our ­members ­suggested ways to level the p­laying field for Canadian ­suppliers, such as:

• Mandate and rate a ­requirement for Canadian and B.C. content in the build ­strategy

• Reduce the contractual guarantees needed, since most offshore builders have a high degree of foreign government ownership/sponsorship or subsidy, which renders Canadian shipyards at a disadvantage.

• Rate elements for........

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