"The Premier is supposed to defend Nova Scotia, but we’re being left in the dark on the true status of the shipyard contract. Worse, Premier McNeil is not taking up the fight...
In a Wednesday news release, PC leader Jamie Baillie says he "wants assurances from the federal Liberal government that all new Department of National Defence ships will be built in Canada." Baillie says he wants the federal government to maximize jobs and local economic impact by directing as much work as possible to Nova Scotia shipyards, including Irving Shipyards in Halifax and Shelburne.
“Nova Scotia taxpayers made a heavy investment in the Irving Shipyard. We expect to get our fair share of work done here at home,” said Baillie. “We have a long and proud history of shipbuilding right here in Nova Scotia. We also have the best workers in the world. To build naval ships outside of Canada makes no sense and breaks the spirit of the commitment the federal government made.”
The Progressive Conservative leader says he is reacting to news that officials in the department of National Defence are attempting to undercut the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy by suggesting that smaller tugs and fireboards be built outside of Canada.
Baillie says if capacity for smaller yards is an issue, he wants the Nova Scotia shipyards to be given extra consideration. There is no excuse for not doing the work in Canada.
Baillie is also concerned this is just the latest step in a federal Liberal plan to back out of the government’s shipbuilding commitments. He wants Premier Stephen McNeil to stand up for Nova Scotia and to speak out about the troubling developments.
“The Premier is supposed to defend Nova Scotia, but we’re being left in the dark on the true status of the shipyard contract. Worse, Premier McNeil is not taking up the fight,” said Baillie. “We know Nova Scotia can build these ships; bringing new jobs and prosperity home. What we need now is a federal government that will keep its word and a Premier who will stand up for Nova Scotia.”
