Western Canada’s Shipbuilding Symposium on April 4th

As part of Western Canada’s Shipbuilding Action Plan, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) will be hosting a Shipbuilding Symposium on April 4, 2013, providing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the opportunity to learn about valuable business opportunities.

Western Canada’s Shipbuilding Symposium: ‘Get On Board the Supply Chain’ will take place in Vancouver and will be open to SMEs in the West, and across Canada, to ensure that they are aware of new and ongoing opportunities being presented by the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS). This is particularly important as the Government of Canada recently announced a series of preliminary contracts with Vancouver Shipyards Co. Ltd. These initial agreements will enable the Shipyards to progress important planning and design work on the Joint Support Ships, the polar icebreaker and the offshore fisheries science vessels.

The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification said:

“The signing of these important contracts will help strengthen Western Canada’s shipbuilding and marine industry. Events like the upcoming Shipbuilding Symposium are crucial in helping western Canadian businesses continue to grow by exploring opportunities presented by agreements such as these.”

The objective of Western Canada’s Shipbuilding Symposium is to help prepare western Canadian businesses to take advantage of key opportunities in the shipbuilding industry. The Symposium will aim to educate SMEs about the Government of Canada’s defence-related procurement process, specifically for projects under NSPS, and will provide participants with an opportunity to connect with prime contractors and other stakeholders under the Strategy.

The delivery of this event is another important step in the implementation of Western Canada’s Shipbuilding Action Plan. The Action Plan was highlighted in Economic Action Plan 2012 and will support western businesses in taking advantage of opportunities presented by the NSPS.

Since 2006, the Harper Government, through WD, has invested in job-creating small and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.

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Press Release, March 21, 2013