Premier asks for clarification on shipbuilding strategy

OTTAWA – Premier Stephen McNeil is seeking clarification from the federal government on the country’s shipbuilding strategy after leaked briefing notes show soaring costs and cancellations.

The documents show some projects within the $39 billion procurement strategy are over 181 per cent over budget, while other projects are being downsized or cancelled.

PC Opposition leader Jamie Baillie raised the issue in the house Thursday, asking McNeil if he has assurances the contracts with Irving Shipyard will be honoured.

The documents are, “referring to the incompetence of the former federal government when it came to budgeting Mr. Speaker, and the fact there wasn’t enough money to fulfil that contract,” McNeil said.

“I fully expect, quite honestly, the Prime Minister to keep the commitment he made to the province of Nova Scotia.”

The leaked notes don’t specifically reference contracts awarded to Irving, so the Premier’s Office has asked the Department of National Defence for clarification on the matter.

Irving Shipbuilding said in a release they’re confident the government will build the complete package of up to 15 frigates and six Arctic patrol vessels at the Halifax yard.

The federal Liberals have repeatedly committed to maintaining the shipbuilding building program, including during the election campaign, when then candidate Justin Trudeau promised if elected his party would cancel the F-35 fighter jet program to make sure the Navy is taken care of.

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