‘We’ve got a lot to be proud of:’ Irving shipworkers ecstatic over shipbuilding contract

Nova Scotia’s economic future looks a little brighter today.

The federal government has awarded a $25 billion contract to Irving Shipbuilding to build 20 warships in Halifax over the next 30 years.

The contract is expected to bring millions of dollars and thousands of jobs to the province.

The announcement Wednesday night was greeted with cheers and whistles from workers at the Irving Shipyards in Halifax, where workers hailed the decision as a guarantee of job security for them and their children.

“It’s going to help us for years to come, we can have our kids work here, stay at home, not have to go anywhere,” said one relieved steelworker, so happy he could barely answer.

Electrician Brian Gale, who will retire in five years, says anyone looking to get into shipbuilding should do it – now.

“I’ve seen a lot of changes here and I’d say go for it,” he said. “It’s going to be a good show.”

For apprentice electrician Megan McLellan, the announcement means a virtual guarantee of steady work for as long as she wants it.

“I’m pretty excited about being able to possibly work here for the rest of my career,” she said.

Shipyard CEO Jim Irving was also bubbling with delight after the announcement, and thanked the crowds of jubilant workers.

“It’s easy to celebrate today when there’s good news,” he said. “But when there’s not good news, when it’s tough going, that’s when you find out how good you are. And these folks stuck with us and did a great job. We’ve got a lot to be proud of, as Maritimers and Nova Scotians. This is a great day for everybody.”

The Harper government pledged to keep politics out of the process by having four senior bureaucrats evaluate the bids and hiring a fairness monitor and an accounting firm to ensure an unbiased selection process.

Politicians were even cut out of the initial announcement, which was delivered by the deputy minister of Public Works.

“The two successful bidders submitted the very best proposals,” Francois Guimont said in a televised news conference where anticipation was pumped up by a long description of the hoops bureaucrats jumped through to ensure impartiality.

“We have a process that is open, fair and transparent,” Guimont repeated.

Both Public Works Minister Rona Ambrose and Defence Minister Peter MacKay hailed the decision late Wednesday and said the win was based on merit.

The pair heard about the decision after the shipbuilders had been notified.

The arm’s length process could serve as model for future military procurements, which have for years been plagued by delays and cost overruns.

“I think there are lessons to be learned obviously,” said MacKay.

New Democrat MP Peter Stoffer, the party’s longtime shipbuilding critic, said he is satisfied politics did not come into play.

“We’re very pleased. This is a very good day for Canada,” Stoffer crowed, noting he’s been pushing for this for 14 years.
 

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