A Vancouver Island MP is calling on Ottawa to build a plan when it comes to breaking apart vessels that are derelict or at the end of their use.
Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns made his comments June 11 during Question Period, saying while the federal government’s shipbuilding strategy focuses on how to build and maintain vessels, it has no plan when it comes to “responsibily retiring” them.
“That’s a missed economic opportunity and a serious environmental risk for coastal communities,” Johns said in a statement released Monday.Johns said more than 900 derelict and end-of-life vessels are currently sitting off the coast of B.C., posing environmental risks while many aging federal vessels are also nearing retirement.
The MP asked whether the federal government would invest in dry dock infrastructure, ship recycling facilities and regulations that would make vessel retirement a formal component of the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
In response, Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon acknowledged ship recycling is a multi-billion-dollar global industry and said it presents an opportunity for Canada.
MacKinnon also referenced derelict vessels across the country, including many owned by the federal government, and specifically highlighted interest in developing the sector in Port Alberni.
Johns welcomed the acknowledgement but said recognition alone is not enough.
“Coastal communities need investment, enforceable regulations and a clear federal plan to build a safe, environmentally responsible ship recycling industry in Canada,” he said.Port Alberni has emerged as a potential location for a future ship recycling industry on Canada’s West Coast.
Last year, local leaders, First Nations, industry representatives and government officials formed a ship recycling leadership group to explore opportunities for a made-in-B.C. solution.
There are currently only two commercial ship recycling facilities operating in Canada, both located on the East Coast.
The discussion has gained urgency following concerns over ship-breaking operations in Union Bay.
In 2025, the provincial government cancelled the Crown land lease held by Deep Water Recovery, citing environmental compliance and stewardship concerns, following complaints about pollution in Baynes Sound.
Johns said any future industry in Port Alberni would need to be developed differently. “This has to be done the right way,” he said. “That means full partnership with First Nations, respect for rights and title, strong community support, good local jobs and the highest environmental standards.”
Johns is also calling for federal regulations similar to those used in Europe, where ship recycling operations are governed by strict environmental, health and worker-safety standards.
Johns said he will continue pressing the federal government to invest in infrastructure and establish a national framework for vessel retirement as part of Canada’s long-term marine strategy.
Canada’s shipbuilding capacity recently came to the forefront after BC Ferries announced it had not received any local builds for its four new ferries, prompting the company to choose a Chinese shipyard.
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