Premier Launches Support for Shipbuilding Bid

Published by the Premier's Office

Friday, May 27, 2011

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 officially announced the Ships Start Here partnership in support of Irving Shipbuilding's bid for the $30-billion National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy.

Quotes

Nova Scotia is built to build ships, and there simply is no better place in Canada to build ships. 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. Premier Darrell Dexter

We knew this opportunity was significant, but we now know that the potential is far greater than anyone imagined. 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. Premier Darrell Dexter

Our past experience with major federal shipbuilding projects tells us that a project of this scope will have positive spin-offs right across Canada. We have a great group of men and women at the shipyard and the support of the province and community has been tremendous. Jim Irving, CEO, Irving Shipbuilding

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. Jim Irving, CEO, Irving Shipbuilding

This is the sustainable stimulus that Nova Scotia needs. These are the investments that don't just create jobs to see us through tough times, but that create industries that last for generations. Valerie Payn, president and CEO of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce.

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. 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. Don Bureaux, president of NSCC

The municipal, provincial and national economies will all benefit from these direct and indirect job opportunities. The shipbuilding industry will continue to be an important part of the Nova Scotian economy, culture and heritage. Rick Clarke, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour

Quick Facts

  • On Friday, May 27, 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.
  • 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.

Learn More

Media Contacts

Melissa MacKinnon
Premier's Office
902-424-2402
Cell: 902-240-9077
E-mail:
Toby Koffman
Economic and Rural Development and Tourism
902-424-4482
E-mail:

Images

A welder works in front of a steel trawler being build at Halifax Shipyards.
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A crowd gather to watch as HMCS Margaree is launched at Halifax Shipyard Ltd.
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A Canadian Navy frigate slices through the ocean.
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Premier Darrell Dexter talks about the value for Nova Scotia, and all of Canada, in the Irving Shipbuilding's bid for the $30-billion National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy.
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Premier Darrell Dexter says Nova's Scotia's bid is Canada's bid, because of the spinoff value to the rest of the country.
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Premeir Darrell Dexter shares a laugh with Valerie Payn, Halifax Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, during the Ships Start Here partnership announcement.
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Premier Darrell Dexter shakes hands with Irving Shipyard workers (from left) Natalie Morris, Ryan Prendergast, Carl Risser. The $30-billion National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy could mean 11,500 additional jobs for Nova Scotia during peak production years.
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Premier Darrell Dexter shakes hands with Jim Irving, CEO, Irving Shipbuilding.
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Audio

Premier Darrell Dexter says the best ships in the world are built in Nova Scotia.
He says a win would mean a revitalized economy here and spinoffs across the country.
Jim Irving, CEO, Irving Shipbuilding, says the company is wildly excited and the opportunity is tremendous.