A new leadership group will work to secure investment in ship recycling in the Alberni Valley. NDP MP Gord Johns (Courtenay–Alberni) and Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island–Pacific Rim announced the group last week.
It will bring together First Nation chiefs, Port Alberni’s mayor Sharie Minions, industry leaders and other regional economic and environmental organizations including BC Ferries and Canadian Maritime Engineering.
“The Alberni Valley is uniquely positioned to attract the infrastructure and business investment needed for ship recycling and dry dock facilities,” said Johns. “With federal nation-building investments on the horizon, increased defence spending and growing demand for world-class vessel recycling, the timing could not be more critical.”
According to a news release from Johns’ constituency office, there are more than 900 vessels at the end of their service life waiting to be recycled in B.C, including 14 ferries. There are 90 ships that are heavier than 500 tons and the news release says the growing backlog needing recycling poses a significant environmental risk.
Johns says he has tabled a motion in Parliament calling for the adoption of ship recycling regulations and guidelines equivalent to the European Union Ship Recycling Regulation.
“Clear and enforceable standards will be crucial in building social licence for ship recycling on a significant scale,” Johns said. “Communities must know this work will meet the highest environmental and safety standards.”
The group is facilitated by Brodie Guy, CEO of the Island Coastal Economic Trust.
“We’re at a pivotal moment,” he said. “Ship recycling represents an opportunity to create lasting economic benefits for coastal communities while ensuring the highest standards of environmental protection and Indigenous stewardship. By working together across governments, industry and communities, we can build a globally respected centre of excellence here in the Alberni Valley.”
