For immediate release
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, August 21, 2013 — Today, the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, along with the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Regional Minister for Nova Scotia; the Honourable Darrell Dexter, Premier of Nova Scotia; and Jim Irving, Co-CEO, J.D. Irving, Limited, addressed attendees at the announcement of several contract awards for Nova Scotia and Canadian suppliers as part of Irving Shipbuilding’s Halifax Shipyard Modernization Program, a $300-million investment to prepare the company’s facilities to build Canada’s future combatant ships. In her address Minister Finley highlighted the economic benefits the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS) is expected to bring to the region.
“Jobs, growth and long-term prosperity: that’s our Government’s pledge to Canadians, and our shipbuilding strategy is an important part of how we’re delivering on that promise,” said Minister Finley. “We made the decision to build these ships right here at home and create over 15,000 jobs across the country—and infuse $2 billion in annual economic benefits to Canada over the next 30 years. Investments like the Halifax Shipyard Modernization Program will create jobs and long-term economic benefits in Nova Scotia and across the country.”
“One of the greatest moments of my time as defence minister was the opportunity to see the excellence of Nova Scotia’s shipyard workers shine through and become apparent to Canada,” said Minister MacKay. “Through our Government’s merit-based process, the skill, dedication, and commitment of the men and women of Halifax Shipyard has resulted in this shipyard being selected to rebuild the Royal Canadian Navy’s combat fleet.”
Minister Finley’s first visit coincided with the Irving Shipbuilding announcement of a $300 million infrastructure investment under the NSPS. These upgrades are designed to ensure Halifax Shipyard is ready to undertake production when steel is scheduled to be cut for the Arctic/offshore patrol ships and the Canadian surface combatants. Irving Shipbuilding states that the Halifax Shipyard Modernization Program will boost Canadian gross domestic product (GDP) by $254 million, create approximately 1,700 full-time equivalent positions across Canada and generate $161 million worth of employment income in the country over the two year period.
The Government of Canada is following through on its commitment to build ships in Canada. The NSPS will mean long-term jobs and economic growth for the country, stability for the industry, and vital equipment for our men and women in the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard.
For more information on the NSPS, please visit http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/app-acq/sam-mps/snacn-nsps-eng.html.
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