BC and NS sign shipbuilding co-operation agreement

(Photo: Irving Shipbuilding)

VANCOUVER — British Columbia and Nova Scotia both are experiencing healthy shipbuilding sectors. The two provinces have now signed an agreement affecting shipbuilding industries in both provinces.

The provincial pact strengthens workforce co-operation and trades training between the regions.

"Cooperation between provinces on training to meet the increasing demand for skilled trades people is fantastic," says Paul Phillips of Hawboldt Industries Ltd. "We are proud to have worked with shipyards on both coasts. We see lots of similarities that Nova Scotia and British Columbia businesses and apprentices can benefit from."

The agreement recognizes the unique training requirements for the shipbuilding and marine industries and commits both provinces to developing new ways to teach apprentices.

The pact also aims to remove red tape that slows certification and employment opportunities for apprentices.

"We share a strong shipbuilding industry," said Karen Casey, acting Minister of Labour and Advanced Education. "We need to take advantage of this and work together to help grow our two provinces' economies. This partnership helps our businesses to build their export capacity and take full advantage of spin-off opportunities coming out of the industry."

Casey says the partnership will help businesses build exports and take advantage of spin-off opportunities on both coasts.

"Shipbuilding and marine industries are important to the economies of both our coastal provinces," added Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training for British Columbia.

The pact is a result of an agreement-in-principle signed by Premier Christy Clark and Premier Stephen McNeil during a meeting of Canada's premiers last summer.