Canada’s Economic Action Plan – workers in St. Thomas to benefit from investment in New Vessels

November 12, 2009

St. Thomas, Ontario — Joe Preston, Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced that Kanter Marine of St. Thomas, Ontario has been awarded a $360,000 contract for two new hydrographic survey launches for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).

“Canada’s Economic Action Plan is creating jobs and opportunities across the country,” said Mr. Preston. “Our Government is pleased that this investment will benefit the shipbuilding industry and workers in St. Thomas.”

The new hydrographic survey launches will be 8 metres in length. They will be delivered by March 2011, and will replace existing boats that are nearing the end of their service life. These hydrographic survey launches will be based in Nova Scotia and used to support the science programs of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

“These new boats will become platforms for DFO scientists to conduct research into the health of our oceans and the fish that inhabit them,” said Mr. Preston. “Our Government recognizes the importance of the science that will protect the future of our precious marine resources, and is working to ensure scientists have the equipment necessary to do their jobs.”

As part of the $175 million provided through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard will procure 60 new small vessels and undertake major repair work on 40 of its aging large vessels. A number of contracts have been awarded as a result of competitive processes, and work is underway in shipyards across the country.


Backgrounder:

Budget 2009 – Small Boats (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/back-fiche/2009/budget2009e-eng.htm)