Canada: Minister Ambrose Welcomes Progress Made with Vancouver Shipyards

The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, yesterday toured Vancouver Shipyards Co. Ltd. Installations. She took the opportunity to meet with shipyard officials and discussed the progress made in the negotiation of initial contracts under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS).

“The Harper Government and Vancouver Shipyards have engaged in a long-term strategic relationship which will mean long-term jobs and economic growth for our country, stability for the industry, and vital equipment for our men and women in the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard.,” said Minister Ambrose.

On October 19, 2011, the NSPS Secretariat announced the two Canadian shipyards that were selected to rebuild the Canadian fleets. Irving Shipbuilding Inc. was selected to build the combat vessels while Vancouver Shipyards Co. Ltd. will build the non-combat vessels. On February 13 and 14, 2012, Umbrella Agreements were signed with the shipyards to define the long-term working relationships and administrative arrangements under which the government will negotiate fair and reasonable individual contracts.

Negotiations are now under way with the shipyards for the lead project in each work package: National Defence’s Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships in the combat package and the science vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard in the non-combat package.

“Negotiations are under way to secure the first contracts to be awarded to Vancouver Shipyards under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy,” said Minister Ambrose. “Our government is proud of our commitment to build ships in Canada and we know that our Canadian Shipyards are up to the task at hand.”

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Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, June 27, 2012