Premier Launches Support for Shipbuilding Bid
Premier Launches Support for Shipbuilding Bid
NOTE: A social media version of this release, with high-res, downloadable photos, is available at gov.ns.ca/news/smr/2011-05-27-Ships-Start-Here. More content will be added after the event.
Nova Scotia builds the best ships in the world, and the province is ready to build them for generations to come.
Alongside business, community, and government leaders, Premier Darrell Dexter today, May 27, officially announced the Ships Start Here partnership in support of Irving Shipbuilding's bid for the $30-billion National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy.
"Nova Scotia is built to build ships, and there simply is no better place in Canada to build ships," said Premier Dexter. "Winning this bid would equate to hosting the Olympics each year for 30 years. It would be a win for Nova Scotia, and a win for Canada. It is Canada's bid."
Earlier today, the Greater Halifax Partnership released findings from two commissioned reports focusing on the economic impact of the shipbuilding procurement strategy. The first study by the Conference Board of Canada shows that a successful bid would mean an additional 11,500 jobs during peak production years for Nova Scotians. In addition, GDP would increase by almost $900 million during those years. The second study by Jupia Consulting shows that shipbuilding in Nova Scotia would drive benefits to all parts of Canada, an advantage that is unique to Nova Scotia's bid. If the province is selected, the Canadian economy is expected to grow by $1.5 billion, and 4,500 jobs will be created outside of Nova Scotia.
"We knew this opportunity was significant, but we now know that the potential is far greater than anyone imagined," said Premier Dexter. "A win would mean an entirely new generation of shipbuilders in Nova Scotia, a revitalized economy for the province, and important spinoffs across the country."
"Our past experience with major federal shipbuilding projects tells us that a project of this scope will have positive spin-offs right across Canada," said Jim Irving, CEO, Irving Shipbuilding. "We have a great group of men and women at the shipyard and the support of the province and community has been tremendous.
"It's this team approach that will make the difference. Our focus right now is to concentrate on winning this bid. We're taking nothing for granted. On behalf of the men and women of Irving Shipbuilding, we are committed to bringing this project home to Nova Scotia."
The Halifax Shipyard has been producing ships since 1889. It has been a major repair yard for more than a century, and has built tugs and offshore supply vessels for clients at home and around the world.
"This is the sustainable stimulus that Nova Scotia needs," said Valerie Payn, president and CEO of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. "These are the investments that don't just create jobs to see us through tough times, but that create industries that last for generations."
NSCC is ready to help augment the skilled talent already available in Nova Scotia to handle such a large contract.
"NSCC works closely with business and industry partners, and we will ensure that Irving Shipbuilding has access to trained professionals, apprentices and researchers who will get the job done," said Don Bureaux, president of NSCC. "We stand ready to work with all involved with this contract, and in doing so, we will build on the vibrancy and strength of this province."
"The municipal, provincial and national economies will all benefit from these direct and indirect job opportunities," said Rick Clarke, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour. "The shipbuilding industry will continue to be an important part of the Nova Scotian economy, culture and heritage."
To learn how to show support, and to find out more about shipbuilding in Nova Scotia, visit www.ShipsStartHere.ca .