Western Canadian Shipbuilding Summit Kicks Off

Yesterday the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, and Andrew Saxton, Member of Parliament for North Vancouver and Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and for Western Economic Diversification, opened the Western Canadian Shipbuilding Summit, outlining the Harper Government’s continuing support for Western Canada’s shipbuilding industry.

“Our Government’s first priority is creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity,” said Minister Yelich. “Today’s event, which is part of Western Canada’s Shipbuilding Action Plan, is just one of the many ways we are connecting small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with new business opportunities.”

Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and Seaspan Marine Corporation partnered to host this event, which allowed western Canadian SMEs to learn about the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy and the business opportunities available to the West, and to Canada.

The summit allowed nearly 600 business representatives from the West and all across Canada to establish valuable business connections in the shipbuilding industry and to connect with Seaspan Marine Corporation and Irving Shipbuilding, the prime contractors under NSPS.

“Seaspan is proud to partner with WD on this event,” said Brian Carter, President – Seaspan Shipyards. “Moving ahead we look forward to building relationships with the supplier community and working with WD and other government departments and agencies across Canada in engaging with potential suppliers and other stakeholders.”

“Today, we have more than 30 companies from Western Canada supplying Irving Shipbuilding,” said Jim Irving, CEO of Irving Shipbuilding Inc. “Information sessions like today’s event help educate businesses on a range of issues, including the requirements for becoming a supplier to Irving Shipbuilding. Furthermore, these sessions have enabled Irving to source new business contacts and identify the first steps for industry to prepare for future opportunities.”

The summit marks 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 National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy

Western Economic Diversification Canada works to create jobs and economic growth in the western Canadian economy. By promoting new economic opportunities, WD is securing a more diverse and prosperous future for the West while advancing Western interests at the national level.

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Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, May 24, 2012; Image: wd.gc