April 18, 2013
Halifax, NS
March 7, 2013
Minister Ambrose,
Representatives of Irving Shipbuilding,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a pleasure to be here with all of you today.
Especially on a subject that is so important to the Canadian Armed Forces, to Canadian industry and indeed, to all Canadians.
As Minister Ambrose just announced, this contract with Irving Shipbuilding marks a key milestone in the Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ships project…
…as well as in the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy more broadly.
Ladies and Gentlemen, this shipbuilding strategy is the largest procurement sourcing arrangement in Canadian history.
It is expected to create thousands of high-value jobs right here in Nova Scotia.
The long-term shipbuilding plan, of which $25 billion was trusted to the excellent shipbuilders of Atlantic Canada, will have economic benefits in the marine and shipbuilding industries, and beyond.
Indeed, our government’s decision to move ahead with this process is creating a steady flow of work for decades to come.
Not to mention the opportunities that this project will create for other sectors across the country – in IT, manufacturing, and defence systems.
Industry analysts have estimated that government ship projects could contribute, both directly and indirectly, some 15,000 jobs and over $2 billion in annual economic benefit over the next 30 years.
In fact, the Conference Board of Canada has estimated that – over the long term – the shipbuilding strategy will create and sustain up to 11,500 jobs right here in Atlantic Canada.
And looking forward, there are only more opportunities to come – as we plan to begin cutting steel on the Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ships as soon as possible.
And through our regional agencies, like the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, our government is both encouraging and helping our small- and medium-sized businesses take advantage of these unprecedented opportunities…
…and to showcase the incredible skill and talent that Atlantic Canadian businesses have to offer.
Today’s announcement underscores how our economic and defence agendas are closely intertwined.
In the Canada First Defence Strategy, the Government committed to invest across the pillars of military capability.
That is – infrastructure, personnel, equipment, and readiness – so that Canada’s military can tackle the challenges of the 21st century…
…wherever, and whenever, Canadians need them to.
- And we have been following through on this commitment.
- Since our Government has taken office, the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces have received unprecedented support.
- In fact, we have increased defence spending by approximately $ 5 billion…
…and we have been steadily re-equipping the Canadian Armed Forces with the tools that they need to do the jobs we ask of them.
- My friends, as our world becomes increasingly integrated, we are becoming more and more reliant on the security and stability of the maritime commons.
- That is why governments everywhere are placing increased priority on monitoring and defending their maritime interests.
- Canada is no exception.
Day in and day out, our sailors are tirelessly and selflessly serving this country…
…protecting Canada’s coastlines and waterways, and conducting operations in oceans around the world.
But here at home, while the Royal Canadian Navy can currently patrol the coastal waters of Canada’s East and West Coasts…
…it does not have the capability to effectively patrol all three oceans.
The Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ships – an entirely new platform – are intended to fill this critical capability gap.
These new ships will also serve as a more economical option for offshore patrols…
…compared to the Navy’s large combatant ships – the destroyers and frigates.
The Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ships, for instance, are a new capability to the Royal Canadian Navy.
These ships allow the Navy to operate effectively in all three of Canada’s oceans, including the Arctic –during the busy shipping season – as well as off our East and West Coasts.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is the latest example of how we are using military recapitalization efforts as a strategic opportunity to strengthen Canadian industry, generate economic growth, and create future jobs for Canadians.
Together, we are equipping the Canadian Armed Forces, and we are growing the Canadian economy.
Let me just say how proud I am, as an Atlantic Canadian…
…and as the Minister of National Defence…
…to see the role that Canadians across the country, and right here in Nova Scotia, are playing to ensure that our men and women in uniform have all that they need to protect our great country.
Thank you.
Merci.
