The provincial government has thrown its support behind Seaspan’s bid for a portion of the federal government’s multi-billion dollar National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS) with a commitment of $40 million dollars.
Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, said: “As promised, our government is helping Seaspan submit the strongest possible bid and this investment focuses on job-creation. We are investing in our human capital by supporting the creation of marine industry jobs for years to come.”
If Seaspan’s bid is successful, the province has proposed to offer enhanced training or labour tax credits for eligible marine industry employers in B.C. The proposed tax support would provide up to an estimated $35 million in benefits to Seaspan over the 30-year life of the shipbuilding program.
Additionally, the province will invest $5 million to support the productivity and long-term viability of the broader marine sector, should Seaspan win a federal contract.
This investment is in addition to the money Seaspan plans to invest as part of its bid. The federal government is expected to make its decisions this fall.
“Seaspan is both pleased and thankful of the level of support it’s received,” said Jonathan Whitworth, Seaspan CEO.
“We’re in it to win it and we’re certainly not alone. This type of support for the future of the B.C. shipbuilding industry will only add to an already stellar bid. I am confident we’ve submitted a winning bid, and we couldn’t have done it without the backing of our provincial and municipal governments, as well as the multitude of organizations, such as BC Ferries, who have provided encouragement and assistance throughout the process.”
Jennifer Harrison