The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, joined by the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Industry and Regional Minister for British Columbia, yesterday announced that Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards will be building up to 10 additional large non-combat ships for the Canadian Coast Guard fleet at an estimated cost of $3.3 billion.
Minister Finley made the announcement during a visit to Vancouver Shipyards, which was selected to build the non-combat package of vessels through the Government’s National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS).
“The decision supports the long-term benefits of the Government’s National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy in creating a sustainable shipbuilding industry once again here in Canada,’’ said Minister Finley.
“The National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy is a key priority of the Harper Government as we create jobs and generate significant economic benefits in shipbuilding and other industries all across Canada,’’ added Minister Finley. “Today’s announcement illustrates our commitment to eliminating boom and bust cycles, while providing best value for taxpayers, and ensuring affordable and timely delivery of ships.”
This significant investment will enable the Coast Guard to acquire up to five Medium Endurance Multi-Tasked Vessels and up to five Offshore Patrol Vessels.
“This is yet another example of the unprecedented investment our Government has made in the Canadian Coast Guard and the Canadian shipbuilding industry,” said the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. “Our Government is committed to providing the men and women of the Coast Guard with the equipment they need to do the important work we ask of them.”
This investment is in addition to the already announced Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels, Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel, and Canada’s first Polar Icebreaker that will be constructed at Vancouver Shipyards for the Canadian Coast Guard.
“The Government’s National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy has played a key role in revitalizing British Columbia’s shipbuilding industry, creating thousands of long-term, skilled jobs,” said Minister Moore. “Today’s announcement will ensure that the job creation is sustained, and that British Columbia continues to be a leader in Canadian shipbuilding.”
The NSPS is now in its fourth phase, with the designs of the initial set of ships being finalized and the shipyards undertaking the infrastructure upgrades required to enable them to build Canada’s ships efficiently. The Government of Canada is following through on its commitment to build ships in Canada.
The NSPS will mean long-term jobs and economic growth for the country, stability for the Canadian marine industry, and vital equipment for the men and women in the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard.
[mappress] Press Release, October 08, 2013; Image: Seaspan