N.S. political leaders rejoice over shipbuilding announcement

Nova Scotia’s political leaders put their partisan issues aside and rejoiced over the procurement of a $25-billion shipbuilding contract which has been awarded to Irving Shipyard.

Just about every politician in the province gathered at the Irving Shipyard in Halifax Wednesday evening as Ottawa announced the winners of the two multi-building-dollar contracts.

A mixed crowd of shipyard workers and stakeholders burst into cheers when Halifax was awarded the lion’s share, building combat vessels for the nation’s navy.

Premier Darrell Dexter said he could not be more proud of the province.

“October 19, 2011 will go down as one of the proudest days in Nova Scotia’s history,” Dexter told the workers at the shipyard. “The day we capitalized on the waters that surround us to build a brighter future for Nova Scotia and Canada.”

Dexter says the shipyard may be located in Halifax, but the announcement is good news for the entire province.

“This is about something in the order of a $900 million increases in the GDP, some $250-some-odd-million in tax revenue, thousands of jobs. It means young people now can plan on a career and staying here in Nova Scotia,” Dexter told reporters following his speech.

The premier had been pushing his Ships Start Here campaign for months leading up to the announcement.

“We’re seeing the end product of years of tenacity, of yeas of believing that we not only had a strong shipbuilding past but as great shipbuilding future,” said the Premier.

On this rare occasion, the opposition agreed with government.

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil called it “the province’s win,” adding this is one of those times when you have to put your political stripes aside, and focus on the good of the province.

“Fantastic day for the shipyard, fantastic day for Nova Scotia,” said McNeil. “I’m thrilled for our younger generation who really has an opportunity to see a full-time future in Nova Scotia.”

Progressive Conservative leader Jamie Baillie said he is looking forward to the economic benefits, adding he’s pleased the winning cities were chosen based on merit instead of not politics.

“I think it will be a huge psychological boost because it was politics free, as it should be, and we won,” said Baillie.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today