The Pelee Island Ferry Service building in Leamington. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)The Pelee Island Ferry Service building in Leamington. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Chatham

Province Backs Ferry Construction Decision

The Ontario government is defending its decision to award a ship building contract to a Chilean Company, instead of Wheatley's Hike Metal.

Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope raised the issue at a recent meeting with Premier Kathleen Wynne.

He adds the government might want to review its process for awarding contracts. "The States are very protective of their local economies and manufacturers. In Canada we're a little more open, and sometimes that's a double-edged sword that's affecting our industries."

Earlier this month the province made the controversial decision to select Chile company ASENAV over Hike, to build a new ferry to replace the Pelee Islander.

-With files from Dave Richie

Read More Local Stories