Nova Scotia Proud to be Canada's Shipbuilder

Published by the Premier's Office

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Nova Scotia has been selected to build Canada's next fleet of combat ships. Irving Shipbuilding Inc. has been chosen to negotiate the right to build Canada's new combat vessel fleet, as part of the federal government's National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy.

Quotes

Congratulations to Irving Shipbuilding and all of its employees for proving that Nova Scotia is ready to build the best . This is a defining moment in Nova Scotia's history. The future starts here. Premier Darrell Dexter

This is tremendous news! On behalf of the men and women of Irving Shipbuilding, we are honoured to have been chosen by Canada to build the Navy's new combat vessel fleet for those who serve and we look forward to successful negotiations in the coming months. Jim Irving, CEO, Irving Shipbuilding

To every Nova Scotian and Canadian who put up a lawn sign, put a pin on the electronic map or sent us words of encouragement, we can't thank you enough. And to Premier Darrell Dexter, the province of Nova Scotia, and every member of the Ships Start Here partnership, you have made this a true community effort and demonstrated the power of a community with confidence, pride and a clear objective – thank you for your belief and your support. Jim Irving, CEO, Irving Shipbuilding

Your experience and skills are what clinched this victory. It will ensure an entirely new generation of shipbuilders, and a future that sees our sons and daughters stay in Nova Scotia, and those who have left come home. Premier Darrell Dexter speaking to Irving Shipbuilding employees

Thank you to Nova Scotians, to Maritimers, and to people across Canada who saw that our bid would bring benefits across the country, who saw that our bid was truly Canada's bid. Premier Darrell Dexter

Quick Facts

  • The contract, estimated at $25 billion, will help the province turn a corner on 20 years of slow economic growth in Atlantic Canada.
  • It will mean an additional 11,500 jobs for Nova Scotians and will increase the province's GDP by almost $900 million during peak production years.
  • The Canadian economy is expected to grow by $1.5 billion, and 4,500 jobs will be created outside of Nova Scotia.
  • The merits of Nova Scotia's bid were clearly outlined in the Ships Start Here campaign, designed to build support across the country and awareness locally.
  • More than 10,000 people across the country pinned messages of encouragement for Irving's bid on the canadianshipsstarthere.ca map, and thousands of lawns were marked with Ships Start Here signs.
  • The campaign websites received close to one million views.
  • The premier also thanked the leaders and organizations within the Ships Start Here partnership for their united support of Irving's bid.
  • The partnership, made up of 70 organizations such as Nova Scotia Community College, Greater Halifax Partnership, and the Federation of Labour, will now mobilize to ensure the province can make the most of this opportunity and meet the demand for labour.
  • Irving Shipbuilding will enter contract negotiations with the federal government with hopes of starting shipbuilding production as early as late 2012.
  • Halifax Shipyard has been in operation since 1889.
  • Irving Shipbuilding has built tugs and offshore supply vessels for clients at home and around the world, as well as 80 per cent of Canada's current surface combat fleet.

Learn More

Media Contacts

Melissa MacKinnon
Premier's Office
Cell: 902-240-9077
E-mail:
Deborah Hashey
Irving Shipbuilding
902-499-7975
E-mail:

Images

A Canadian Navy frigate, built by Irving Shipyard, slices through the ocean.
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Premier Darrell Dexter (centre), Irving officials, employees and supporters stand behind boxes containing the shipyard's bid, during a July event to announce the company's bid.
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Premier Darrell Dexter gives a thumbs up after the announcement that Nova Scotia won the $25-billion contact to build combat ships as part of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy.
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Jim Irving, CEO of Irving Shipbuilding, speaks to the boisterous crowd at the announcement.
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Workers at Irving Shipbuilding show their excitement at learning the facility won a $25-billion contract ahead of yards in British Columbia and Quebec.
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Irving Shipyard workers wait patiently for the federal government's National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy announcement, which awarded the Halifax shipyard a $25-billion contract.
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Jemar Beals is all smiles after the announcement that Irving Shipbuilding won the $25-billion contract to build Canada's next generation of combat ships.
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Irving Shipyard workers joke around after learning the company won the federal government's National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy announcement, which awarded the Halifax shipyard a $25-billion contract.
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Premier Darrell Dexter celebrates the contract to build combat ships as part of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy, calling it “a defining moment in Nova Scotia's history.”
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Premier Darrell Dexter listens in the audience as it is announced that Nova Scotia won the $25-billion contract to build combat ships as part of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy.
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Videos

Premier Darrell Dexter talks about what the $25 billion contract means for Nova Scotia.
Jim Irving, Irving Shipbuilding CEO, on the $25-billion contract.
Premier Darrell Dexter talks about the value of the investment.

Audio

Premier Dexter says it means employment for a generation of workers.
Premier Dexter says it is a moment that will significantly change the future.
CEO of Irving Shipbuilding Jim Irving says Nova Scotians, especially Premier Dexter, were with the company from the start.
Mr. Irving thanked the federal government.