Bluenose II Project Oversight Transferred

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal will oversee completion of the Bluenose II project, Premier Stephen McNeil announced today, Jan. 28.

Earlier today, the auditor general outlined recommendations for government to better manage large, complex projects like the Bluenose II.

"We accept the auditor general's recommendations. His observations highlight the importance of role clarity and stronger management practices," said Premier McNeil. "Moving the file over to the department, to where it should have been in the first place, is a key step toward completing this project and getting the Bluenose II back sailing."

"The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal has experience managing large and complex projects. I've asked minister Geoff MacLellan and his deputy minister, Paul Lafleche, to begin immediately to work with the various partners and contractors to move ahead to get the job done."

David Darrow, deputy minister to the premier, was assigned the file in Spring 2014 and oversaw changes to the Bluenose II's steering system. He retired from his position Dec. 31.