Montréal, Quebec, November 1, 2013 – The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, is inviting Quebec small and medium-sized enterprises to harness the business opportunities arising from the Government of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS).
To help these businesses take full advantage of the future spinoffs generated in shipbuilding, Canada Economic Development has organized a suppliers’ tour and a networking and information meeting with DCNS, a major French contractor.
“It is essential that the prime contractors ultimately selected for the work under the Strategy know our Quebec businesses and the skills and know-how they possess. These meetings initiated by our government will be an excellent first step in building long-term business relationships,” said Minister Lebel.
A world leader in naval defence, the DCNS group has more than 400 years of experience in the design, construction and maintenance of submarines, surface vessels and combat systems. The group directly employs 13,200 people and generates more than 40,000 indirect jobs through its many partners and suppliers. DCNS is trying to position itself for the Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) program with its latest generation FREMM multipurpose frigate.
“DCNS has extensive experience in international cooperation and is looking to build long-term alliances with the Canadian industry. These partnerships will allow numerous Canadian businesses to take part in the CSC program, thereby furthering the Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB) policy. DCNS wishes to become one of the country’s prime naval partners. To that end, the group opened an office in Ottawa last year to better meet the Canadian industry’s needs,” noted Patrick Boissier, President and Chief Executive Officer of the DCNS group.
Since the beginning of the week, DCNS has toured the facilities of eight enterprises and, today, is meeting with representatives of a number of Quebec companies in Montréal. This meeting will serve as an opportunity for these businesses to learn more about DCNS’s projects and requirements, showcase their know-how and expertise, and acquire a better understanding of the principles and expectations involved in being part of the group’s supply chain.
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