Halifax Regional Council has added its endorsement to the growing chorus of support for Irving Shipbuilding’s efforts to secure a contract for large vessel construction under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy.
“This contract would help bring our region’s long, proud history of shipbuilding into the future with well-paying, skilled jobs, and the vast economic development opportunities that come with being a national centre of excellence,” said Councillor Lorelei Nicoll, Chair of Council's Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee
Council’s resolution supports a Federal government strategy announced in June 2010 that will create two “centres of excellence” in the design and building of both combat and non-combat ships. The combined value of the work is approximately $30 billion over the next 30 years.
In their presentation to Council's Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee, Irving Shipbuilding’s representatives underscored the significance of the combat vessel contract for the local economy.
The Council standing committee, the Atlantic Mayors’ Congress, and the Province of Nova Scotia have also leant their support to the Irving Shipbuilding bid. The company is one of four short listed shipyards vying for the contracts. The selection of the two winning shipyards is expected this summer.
“As the Home of Canada’s East Coast Navy, HRM would be proud to see our men and women go to sea in vessels expertly crafted by a local shipyard,” said Nicoll.
“Irving Shipbuilding is pleased by this demonstration of support from our city council representatives," said Steve Durrell, president of Irving Shipbuilding. "The men and women of Halifax Shipyard are ready to continue Halifax’s long tradition of building quality ships for Canada. We look forward to the conclusion of this bid process."
