Mr. Speaker, with regard to part (e), Marine Atlantic Inc. is an independent Crown corporation that operates at arm's length from the Government of Canada and is responsible for managing its business decisions and operations, including those related to procurement.
For the capital work that is done for its vessels, Marine Atlantic continues to conduct its refits and maintenance in Canada, as operationally feasible, to support the regional economy.
With regard to part (a), the bareboat charter has a cost of approximately $100 million.
With regard to part (b), Marine Atlantic pursued a competitive procurement process open to domestic and international bidders for the five-year charter of a newly constructed vessel. Stena North Sea Ltd. was the highest ranked proponent. The economic impact of the shipyard selected by Stena to construct the vessel was not considered within the competition.
With regard to part (c), the competition was open to domestic and international suppliers experienced in the operation and chartering of Ro-Pax vessels. Stena North Sea Ltd. was the highest ranked proponent based on the established evaluation criteria.
With regard to part (d), Marine Atlantic’s procurement processes are subject to domestic and international trade treaties.
With regard to part (f), Marine Atlantic does not anticipate being required to pay import duties.