Premier Pat Binns today called the recently announced Canadian Shipbuilding and Marine Industrial Fabrication policy a positive first step ensuring a viable future for the industry.
"I commend the federal minister for his efforts and look forward to working with him in the implementation of the policy framework," the Premier said. "It was very important to recognize the Canadian shipbuilding industry was in decline because it could not compete with other jurisdictions that benefited from similar programs."
However, the Premier was hoping the policy would have included more substance, particularly concerning procurement and tariffs.
"We are concerned that a lot of crucial areas, such as skills development and training, have yet to be studied and that we haven't been given much insight on what the financial programs will look like," Premier Binns said. "However, the shipbuilding industry has now been recognized by the Government of Canada with this policy and that is very encouraging."
Hon. Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology, said the shipbuilding industry is important to the Island economy, and having a national policy in place would help bring stability and confidence to the workforce.
"The quality of work provided by our province in this industry is known worldwide because our workforce is second to none," said Minister Currie. "All we have ever asked for is a level playing field so we can compete with countries like Spain, Holland and Germany."