Latest news with #Hargreaves
Global News
04-07-2025
- Business
- Global News
‘It can't just be a competition on price': Why Seaspan didn't bid on BC Ferries contract
British Columbia's biggest shipyard says building the next wave of ferries in the province is absolutely a possibility, but will require political will on the part of decision makers. It comes as BC Ferries faces public pressure over its recent decision to award a multi-billion-dollar contract to build four new major vessels to a Chinese shipyard. No Canadian company bid on the contract, and while the decision will save the company $1.2 billion over going with a European yard, it has hit the choppy waters of growing nationalism and a global trade war. B.C. shipyard Seaspan did not bid on the deal. 2:15 BC Ferries criticized over decision to award contract to Chinese-owned shipyard Senior vice-president of strategy, business development and communications Dave Hargreaves told Global News that's in part because while it has the capability, it doesn't currently have the capacity. Story continues below advertisement The company is essentially fully booked through the end of the decade, building Coast Guard and Canadian Navy ships. But the company said the BC Ferries procurement process — which was heavily tilted towards price — would have essentially ruled it out anyway. 'The fact of the matter is that their labour costs in their shipyards is probably seven to eight times cheaper than ours, so not like 10 per cent cheaper,' Hargreaves said. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'That labour cost differential is big. And so it's hard to see that we would ever get to cost-competitive with China, or for that matter like Korea, or some Eastern European countries, or places like that.' Hargreaves compared the BC Ferries contract to its deals for major vessels with the federal government, which he said have a 100 per cent overall Canadian content requirement. It's a political calculation, he said, that acknowledges a higher up-front cost, but comes with downstream benefits. 2:15 BC Ferries new vessel federal funding controversy Those high-paying jobs return income taxes to the provincial and federal government and have indirect economic effects through consumer spending, he said. Story continues below advertisement Expanding the shipbuilding sector drives innovation, grows the skilled workforce and expands the wider marine ecosystem, he added. 'Some of our subcontractors are already exporting things,' he said. 'You don't get any of that if you go and build the ferries in China.' And there is the strategic benefit of domestic control of shipbuilding capacity. 'Having a sovereign capability to do shipbuilding in Canada, I mean, we still are one of the world's longest coastline countries with huge maritime areas,' he said. 'So the ability to build ships kind of seems important.' While Premier David Eby has said he wants to see vessels built in B.C., the province won't force BC Ferries to drop the China contract — citing the urgent need to get the vessels into service, and the desire to keep ferry fares down. On Thursday, Deputy Premier Niki Sharma toured the Seaspan shipyard. 2:10 BC Building Trades expresses disappointment in BC Ferries decision 'This multi-billion-dollar success story is possible thanks to the key role Ottawa plays in supporting the national shipbuilding strategy,' she said of the Navy and Coast Guard work underway. Story continues below advertisement 'We are determined to continue this work with the federal government to support Seaspan to do the same for civilian ships. Expanding B.C.'s capacity and getting B.C. shipyards ready to successfully bid on more Canadian ship contracts will create more good jobs in this community and the communities that supply them.' That's the kind of talk Hargreaves said will be necessary if future ferries are to be built in B.C., adding the provincial government will need to be fully on board. 'That does have to include some much stronger preferences for B.C./Canadian content. It can't just be a competition on price, it has to take into account all the other benefits that accrue from building here … has to be seen as an investment for B.C.,' he said. 'BC Ferries doesn't really have that flexibility to make that decision by themselves, right? It has to be the province that comes to the table there.'
Scottish Sun
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘Disaster' – Sir Alex Ferguson labelled England World Cup hero, 44, one of his most disappointing ever Man Utd signings
The former Man Utd star even scored a crucial goal in final ONE TO FER-GET 'Disaster' – Sir Alex Ferguson labelled England World Cup hero, 44, one of his most disappointing ever Man Utd signings Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SIR ALEX FERGUSON brutally labelled an England cult hero as one of the most "disappointing signings" of his Manchester United career. The midfielder was marked as the man to replace long-serving skipper Roy Keane after an award-winning performance during the 2006 World Cup. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Sir Alex Ferguson revealed one of the most "disappointing signings" of his Manchester United career Credit: Sportsfile During his 27 years at Old Trafford the Scot signed football geniuses like Cristiano Ronaldo and Eric Cantona. He also picked up Keane, Nemanja Vidic and Park Ji-Sung who perhaps fell into the 'signed for their mindset' category. But as well as several superstar signings, Fergie was also responsible for a few spectacular flops. And the now-83-year-old revealed that two-time Champions League winner Owen Hargreaves fell into the 'underwhelming' category. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS TALL ORDER Cristiano Ronaldo and son pose together but fans all spot shock detail Hargreaves joined United from Bayern Munich in 2007, having built a reputation as one of nation's best midfielders, especially after winning England's Player of the World Cup in 2006. And his career at Old Trafford started well, winning the Premier League and Champions League double in his first season. Fans will also remember him scoring a penalty against Chelsea in the European final in Moscow, but Ferguson doesn't recall his time so fondly. Despite Hargreaves' early success in a United shirt, Ferguson looked back on his decision to sign him with regret. 4 Ferguson said Owen Hargreaves didn't live up to his potential at United Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 4 Fans remember Hargreaves scoring a penalty in the shootout against Chelsea in the Champions League final in Moscow Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS In his autobiography 'Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In', the Scot claimed he had had doubts over Hargreaves from the start. Ferguson wrote: "We started to put together a bid for him. But I studied his playing record and felt a tinge of doubt. Sancho's Next Move: Three Clubs in the Race! | From The Sports Desk | Sun Sport "I didn't feel a strong vibe about him. David Gill worked hard on the deal with Bayern. "I met Owen's agent at the World Cup final in Berlin. Nice man, a lawyer. I told him we could develop Hargreaves at United. "It turned out to be a disaster. Owen had no confidence in himself whatsoever. "He didn't show nearly enough determination to overcome his physical difficulties, for my liking. "I saw him opt for the easy choice too often in terms of training. He was one of the most disappointing signings of my career." It turned out to be a disaster. Sir Alex Ferguson Things quickly went downhill in 2008, with a recurring patellar tendinitis problem virtually ending Hargreaves' career. He would make just five more appearances for United after his debut season, before joining Manchester City for one, injury-ravaged campaign in 2011. Hargreaves, who won four Bundesliga titles in 218 games for Bayern Munich, scored just two goals in 38 appearances for the Red Devils. The former midfielder now works as a pundit to TNT Sports.
The Irish Sun
16-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘Disaster' – Sir Alex Ferguson labelled England World Cup hero, 44, one of his most disappointing ever Man Utd signings
SIR ALEX FERGUSON brutally labelled an England cult hero as one of the most "disappointing signings" of his Manchester United career. The midfielder was marked as the man to replace long-serving skipper Roy Keane after an award-winning performance during the 2006 World Cup. 4 Sir Alex Ferguson revealed one of the most "disappointing signings" of his Manchester United career Credit: Sportsfile During his 27 years at Old Trafford the Scot signed football geniuses like Eric Cantona . He also picked up Keane, Nemanja Vidic and Park Ji-Sung who perhaps fell into the 'signed for their mindset' category. But as well as several superstar signings, And the now-83-year-old revealed that two-time Champions League winner Owen Hargreaves fell into the 'underwhelming' category. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS Hargreaves joined United from Bayern Munich in 2007, having built a reputation as one of nation's best midfielders , especially after winning England's Player of the World Cup in 2006. And his career at Old Trafford started well, winning the Premier League and Champions League double in his first season. Fans will also remember him scoring a penalty against Despite Hargreaves' early success in a United shirt, Ferguson looked back on his decision to sign him with regret. Most read in Football 4 Ferguson said Owen Hargreaves didn't live up to his potential at United Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 4 Fans remember Hargreaves scoring a penalty in the shootout against Chelsea in the Champions League final in Moscow Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS In his autobiography 'Sir Alex Ferguson : Never Give In', the Scot claimed he had had doubts over Hargreaves from the start. Ferguson wrote: "We started to put together a bid for him. But I studied his playing record and felt a tinge of doubt. Sancho's Next Move: Three Clubs in the Race! | From The Sports Desk | Sun Sport "I didn't feel a strong vibe about him. David Gill worked hard on the deal with Bayern. "I met Owen's agent at the World Cup final in Berlin. Nice man, a lawyer. I told him we could develop Hargreaves at United. "It turned out to be a disaster. Owen had no confidence in himself whatsoever. "He didn't show nearly enough determination to overcome his physical difficulties, for my liking. "I saw him opt for the easy choice too often in terms of training. He was one of the most disappointing signings of my career." It turned out to be a disaster. Sir Alex Ferguson Things quickly went downhill in 2008, with a recurring patellar tendinitis problem virtually ending Hargreaves' career. He would make just five more appearances for United after his debut season, before joining Manchester City for one, injury-ravaged campaign in 2011. H argreaves , who won four Bundesliga titles in 218 games for 8 appearances for the Red Devils. The former midfielder now works as a 4 Hargreaves now works as a pundit for TNT Sports
Sky News AU
12-06-2025
- Business
- Sky News AU
Labor ministers' anti-US rhetoric and 'deep disdain' for Donald Trump sets of 'alarm bells' in Washington as Pentagon orders AUKUS review
Anti-US commentary from senior Labor figures have raised questions about the government's diplomatic relationship with the Trump White House. Ties between Canberra and Washington have frayed as the Trump administration launches a review of the AUKUS deal after the Albanese government resisted requests to lift defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP. The Albanese government also provoked frustration from the Trump administration after its decision to sanction Israel—a move which the US publicly 'condemned'. However, adding to concerns about the diplomatic ties, has been the comments of government representatives about Australia's number one ally. Cabinet Minister Clare O'Neil recently described the US as inferior to Australia, suggesting the US doesn't take care of its citizens. 'It is so clear to me that Australia is a better country than America, right?' Ms O'Neil said on the ABC's Q+A in April 2025. 'We have a better healthcare system, we look after each other. We protect each other. We don't have those horrific problems with gun violence that so plague their society. 'We have an education system, we have equal opportunity. We have a country today led by a Prime Minister who grew up with a single mum with a disability in public housing. 'That could never happen in America, never ever.' Former presidents Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Joe Biden all came from either middle class or impoverished backgrounds. Ms O'Neil's comments have ignited questions over whether the content of her remarks was appropriate, and may have contributed to the deterioration of goodwill between the US and Australia. Executive Director of the Institute of Public Affairs Scott Hargreaves warned the comments reflected 'disdain' with the government for 'our most important ally'. 'Clare O'Neil's injudicious comments are a reflection of the deep disdain senior members of the federal government have for our most important ally, the United States," he said. 'The federal government's antagonistic attitude towards the United States was typified by the Prime Minister's belligerent response to US requests that Australia do its bit for its own security; even when it is clear our own national security situation requires it. 'This lack of care and regard for our responsibilities as a defence partner has set off alarm bells in Washington. 'If the Prime Minister cannot be bothered investing the time and diplomacy required into maintaining this vital relationship, how could we expect anything less from his ministers?' Mr Hargreaves said the relationship between Canberra and Washington was at a 'low ebb', as Mr Albanese prepares to meet President Trump for the first time. 'As tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific the last thing Australia needs is a federal government that is deliberately sabotaging our long-term relationship,' Mr Hargreaves said. Previous comments by members of the Albanese government have similarly raised concerns about the impact on the diplomatic relationship. Ambassador of Australia to the United States Kevin Rudd came under scrutiny recently for previous comments calling Trump a 'traitor to the West' and a 'village idiot'. "The United States, in the past four years, has been run by a village idiot," Mr Rudd said at a webinar in 2021. "People have seen China continuing to be competent in its national statecraft and the United States increasingly incompetent in its national statecraft under Trump." Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have also made similarly unkind comments about the US leader. Ms Wong was filmed saying the incoming US President was 'prepared to trash alliances and partnerships for personal political interest' in 2021. Mr Albanese was filmed saying, '(Trump) scares the shit out of me' and 'we've got to deal with him' during a Q&A in 2017. Shadow defence minister Angus Taylor has demanded urgent intervention from the Prime Minister to shore up the partnership. 'The Prime Minister must urgently seek a direct meeting with President Trump to safeguard the AUKUS agreement,' Mr Taylor said on Thursday. 'If this review has been triggered by the Albanese government's refusal to commit to increased defence spending and its sanctioning of two Israeli ministers… 'Then the government has very serious questions to answer about how it is managing our most critical allies.' Mr Taylor warned that if AUKUS faltered, 'Australia would face a dangerous gap in capability at a time when we lack the capacity to go it alone'.
Vancouver Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
B.C. says no to request for more exemptions to short-term rental restrictions
The B.C. Real Estate Association is asking the province to grant more exemptions to its short-term rental restrictions, arguing it is hearing from people in the health-care, film and construction sectors that there is a shortage of accommodation for workers in rural and northern communities. The association wants to see the province make exemptions on a geographic basis for communities such as Prince George that serve as health-care hubs for surrounding communities. 'In communities across the province, you need a certain stock of available short-term rentals for short-term medical workers,' said Trevor Hargreaves, the association's senior vice-president of government relations, marketing and communications. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Hargreaves said people from remote regions being sent to Metro Vancouver also need affordable accommodations, using the example that for people receiving chemotherapy 'it's not particularly viable that you're here paying 90 days worth of hotels at $450 a night.' He said he also wants to see the NDP re-examine restrictions around strata hotels, individual units owned as part of a strata but managed for short-term rentals, and give a sector-wide exemption for the film and TV sector, which relies heavily on transient cast and crew. The final request from the association is that the province return zoning power to local governments, allowing them to permit short-term rentals in certain neighbourhoods. The calls comes days before the government's deadline of June 2 for platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo to begin removing illegal listings and as a summer begins to near that Hargreaves expects will see plenty of Canadians travel to B.C. instead of going to the U.S. Provincial Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon replied almost immediately on Tuesday that he is not considering granting such exemptions as they risk undermining the progress he feels the province is making in bringing affordable housing on line by forcing investors to sell or list their properties as long-term rentals. He also said that it is his understanding that the issues of accommodation for health-care workers is not a big problem and is being addressed. 'We know the health authorities have made adjustments to support individuals who need housing for health care-related matters, and so we'll monitor as we go forward,' said Kahlon. 'There hasn't been a major issue at this point. But what we have been seeing is people getting housing for much cheaper than they were paying before, and that's a positive thing.' Prince George councillor Brian Skakun said, however, that he has spoken to a number of doctors and nurses who have been travelling to the city from around B.C., and in some cases even other provinces such as Alberta and Manitoba, and have struggled to find a place to stay. He said patients are also having the same problem, with people travelling from surrounding communities to receive health care but then finding that hotel spaces are either unavailable or way too expensive. 'We met with Minister Kahlon directly last year. Premier Eby, I told him the way they are handling it does nothing but create problems for us,' said Skakun. 'These folks that come here do not want to stay in a hotel. They want some sort of setting, that when they get off of a stressful shift, to be able to relax. So just the fact that we might have hotels available doesn't solve the problem.' Nicole Bryant, CEO of the Northern Regional Construction Association, said she hasn't heard many stories of construction workers being unable to find housing, but has witnessed prices going up as the deadline for online platforms to start removing illegal listings nears. She said there is potential for the restrictions to cause even further increases in the costs of capital projects in the region as the money required for contractors to house employees rises. 'When you're looking at sending a crew to a community to do work, you're looking at five hotel rooms, as opposed to one short-term rental that people can share,' said Bryant. 'They've already bid on these jobs based on short-term rentals and availability at the time that those jobs were bid. We look at these jobs running sometimes as long as two to three years. And so these costs were estimated a long time ago, and this change could definitely put a dent into the cost for the project and increasing costs for projects and timelines.' alazenby@
