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NLIS 1
June 5, 2001
(Executive Council)

 

Premier endorses recommendations of Shipbuilding Report

Premier Roger Grimes strongly endorses the recommendations of the National Partnership Task Force Report on Shipbuilding, released April 5.

"The report contains a number of pragmatic recommendations that can make a real difference in the marine fabrication industry immediately," said Premier Grimes. "I commend the task force for its diligent work."

Atlantic Canada's burgeoning offshore oil and gas sector requires billions of dollars in infrastructure, but without immediate action in the form of a shipbuilding policy the majority of this work will continue to be done in heavily subsidized foreign yards.

"The absence of a constructive and viable national shipbuilding policy in Canada to counteract the devastating effects of widespread subsidies has left our industry struggling for its very survival," said Premier Grimes. In this province, the Friede Goldman Newfoundland operation in Marystown has seen its 1,000 employee workforce reduced by 90 per cent. The lack of meaningful long-term employment is affecting the social and economic viability of all our communities, and this province is ready to begin immediate work with the federal government and other provinces toward the timely implementation of the report=s recommendations.

Premier Grimes emphasized the importance of immediate action on the report�s recommendations. "It is critical to the future of the marine fabrication industry in our province that the federal government move ahead as quickly as possible in the implementation of these recommendations, particularly in the areas of financing, procurement, and leasing - solutions that can be put in place fairly easily."

The task force report is the result of nationwide consultations with stakeholders in an attempt to develop solutions to specific concerns for the Canadian shipbuilding industry, without resorting to subsidies. Copies of the report are available electronically on Industry Canada�s website: www.strategis.gc.ca/shipbuilding.

Media contact: Carl Cooper, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960.

2001 06 05                                                         10:15 a.m. 


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