News release

Celebrating Nova Scotia's Top Defence Companies

Premier's Office

Nova Scotia's aerospace and defence industry is soaring.

Today, May 4, Premier Darrell Dexter congratulated several Nova Scotia organizations ranked among the top Canadian aerospace and defence companies by the Canadian Defence Review Magazine.

Irving Shipbuilding Inc. ranks first, while General Dynamics Canada, L-3 Communications, CAE, Lockheed Martin, and Bluedrop Performance Learning Inc., are among the top 18 companies of 50 ranked across Canada.

"Congratulations to these great companies, and their workers, that have put Nova Scotia on the map, while further signalling the growth and success of the province's aerospace and defence sector," said Premier Dexter. "We are proud of these companies and their employees. They should all be honoured by this achievement, especially Irving, as the first shipyard to have received the top ranking."

Nova Scotia's aerospace and defence sector continues to represent a large and important piece of the province's economy, employing about 6,000 highly skilled workers and generating $600 million annually for Nova Scotia's gross domestic product.

The province's commitment to the sector is demonstrated through a $10-million investment for the Aerospace and Defence Fund through jobsHere and the recent investment of $1.7 million in Bluedrop's $2.3-million defence training and simulation centre. The centre is the first of its kind in Canada, and will create more than 30 jobs.

"Investments like these, and Irving's win of the federal shipbuilding contract, will help the province turn the corner on 20 years of slow economic growth in Atlantic Canada," said Premier Dexter. "The federal shipbuilding contract alone will create thousands of jobs for Nova Scotians, and billions in economic spinoffs over the next 30 years, money that can be reinvested in important public services like health and education."

Canadian Defence Review is Canada's leading defence and military journal, which bases its annual ranking on factors like economic impact, innovation, contribution to the nation's security, and support of Canada's military.

For the complete list of Canada's 2012 Top 50 Defence Companies, visit www.canadiandefencereview.com/2012_top_50_defence_companies_en_310cms.htm