June 18, 2015 — Dartmouth, N.S. — Public Works and Government Services Canada
Today the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, along with Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament Cumberland—Colchester—Musquodoboit Valley, cut steel on a test module for the Harry DeWolf, the lead Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS). Building this test module will enable the shipyard to test its new processes, get personnel familiar with the new equipment, and streamline construction for when full production begins in the fall of 2015.
Through the historic undertaking of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS), Canada will deliver the ships needed by the men and women of the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard to protect the security and interests of Canadians at home and abroad. This work will also bring long-term economic benefits to the marine industry and related sectors in communities across Canada. In fact, as of April 2015, Irving Shipbuilding had awarded over $720 million in contracts to 128 suppliers from across Canada through the modernization of its shipyard and the AOPS project.
As part of its commitment to invest a portion of its profits for the benefit of the greater marine industry, Irving Shipbuilding entered into a partnership with Women Unlimited. This program will provide education funding and job opportunities to 19 women who will participate in the welding and metal fabrication programs at the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Akerley Campus. The partnership is an outcome of Irving Shipbuilding’s Centre of Excellence funding announced in October 2012. The mandate of the Centre of Excellence is to provide Nova Scotians, with particular focus on under-represented Nova Scotians, with applicable programs and training to optimize opportunities to work in the marine industry.
Marcel Poulin
Office of the Honourable Diane Finley
819-997-5421
Media Relations
Public Works and Government Services Canada
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