For Immediate Release
September 3, 2014 - Halifax, N.S. - Public Works and Government Services Canada
The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, today attended a ceremony to mark the installation of the final beam in the Assembly Hall, as part of the modernization of the Irving Shipyards.
The shipyard modernization is a significant milestone. The Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships definition contract is on track to start the final design phase this fall, which will allow for the cutting of steel in 2015. Under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS), this design-then-build approach ensures that when the shipyard is ready to begin building ships, the design will be mature and ready for construction.
While in Halifax for the Canadian Defence Security and Aerospace Exhibition Conference, the Minister will be meeting with industry representatives to discuss the Canadian Surface Combatant procurement project. This is the largest shipbuilding project to be undertaken by the government in the next 30 years. Under the NSPS, the Government of Canada is engaging industry early in the process to inform a procurement strategy that will enable the delivery of ships needed by the Royal Canadian Navy, maximizing competition and creating jobs in Canada.
The National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy is expected to create an estimated 15,000 jobs, resulting in over $2 billion in annual economic benefit for Canada for 30 years.
Marcel Poulin
Office of the Honourable Diane Finley
819-997-5421
Media Relations
Public Works and Government Services Canada
819-956-2315
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