Pat Bell's Top Ten - Oct 22nd

Courtesy of the Hon. Pat Bell (BC Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation)

1. The Federal Government has chosen Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards as the prime contractor to build the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS) program’s non-combat vessels.
2. The total value of the program is $8 billion.
3. It will create an average of 4000 jobs over the next 8-years.
4. In addition, the Federal Government has plans for a further 17 vessels which should fall under the non-combat package.
5. Although planning will begin immediately, construction on the new vessels will not likely start until late 2012.
6. In the meantime, over $150 million worth of infrastructure will be built at Seaspan’s shipyards in North Vancouver and Victoria, while vessel design work is being finalized.
7. One of the first projects Seaspan will build what will be for the Canadian Coast Guard, the $720-million John G. Diefenbaker polar ice breaker. The ship at 140 metres in length, will play a key role in the Canada’s effort to establish a stronger presence in the Canadian Arctic.
8. Included in the contract are two joint support ships for the navy, three fisheries vessels and an oceanographic ship. Up to 8 Arctic offshore patrol vessels, including 4 oceanographic science ships and 3 fisheries science vessels, are planned.
9. It’s estimated that direct taxes from the contract will amount to $500 million over the life of the contract.
10. The Province supported the bid by providing up to $40 million in training tax credits and BC Ferries provided up to $20 million towards technology and training for a total contribution of up to $60 million.