Government of Canada Makes Important Shipbuilding Investment

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - March 14, 2016) - Public Services and Procurement Canada

The Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Judy M. Foote, today announced $65.4 M in funding under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) for Vancouver Shipyards Co. Ltd.

Canada remains committed to re-establish a world class shipbuilding industry that will create good-paying jobs and generate sustainable economic growth for Canadian communities from coast to coast to coast.

The two new contracts will allow Seaspan's Vancouver Shipyards Co. Ltd. to initiate early discussions with potential suppliers and to purchase material and equipment to build the Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV) and the Joint Support Ships (JSS).

With these contracts, the Government will be able to purchase material - such as propulsion systems, scientific equipment, generators, and other specialized parts - before construction starts. This will allow plans to be finalized, delays to be avoided, and construction to begin on these ships as quickly as possible.

Quotes

"These investments demonstrate our long-term commitment for continuous shipbuilding projects which will not only rejuvenate our marine industry, but also provide the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard with the ships they need to do their jobs at best value-for-money for Canadian taxpayers. By building these ships here in Canada we are bringing jobs and prosperity to many communities across the country."

- The Honourable Judy M. Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement

"The Government is committed to building a more agile, better-equipped military. I am pleased that we are now one step closer to building the first Joint Support Ship and delivering on a critical capability needed by the brave naval men and women of our Royal Canadian Navy so that they can continue to defend Canadian waters and take part in international missions well into the future."

- The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence

"The Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel is the second class of Coast Guard vessels being built by Vancouver Shipyards - critical first steps in the renewal of the Coast Guard Fleet. The Oceanographic Vessel will support the Government of Canada's next 30-plus years of cutting edge scientific research that will help us protect our fisheries, oceans and coastal areas."

- The Honourable Hunter Tootoo, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

"Today's announcement is a strong reminder of the progress being made under the National Shipbuilding Strategy. Its impact will continue to increase opportunities for Canadian companies and provide jobs for Canadians that flow from our delivery of vessels to the Canadian Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy."

- Brian Carter, President, Seaspan Shipyards

Quick Facts

• The National Shipbuilding Strategy is a 30 year initiative. An estimated 15,000 jobs and $2 billion in annual economic benefits are expected to be generated through the implementation of this strategy.
• To date, Vancouver Shipyards Co. Ltd. has awarded $211 million in contracts to suppliers in Canada, and more than 160 companies in Canada have already benefited from these investments.
• The NSS was established to renew the fleets of the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard. As part of the Strategy, the Government is committed to building the OOSV and the JSS along with a range of other non-combat vessels, through an umbrella agreement with Vancouver Shipyards Co. Ltd.

Associated Links

Backgrounder - Long Lead Items contracts (OOSV/JSS)

National Shipbuilding Strategy

National Defence-Joint Support Ships

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