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Our Ship Building Contract October 20, 2011

Posted by admin in : Bill Bennett , comments closed

From Premier Christy Clark

Today, British Columbia received a big boost to our economy thanks to the decision by the National Shipbuilding Procurement Program to award an eight year, $8 billion contract to build the next generation of non-combat vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard. We call our jobs plan “Canada Starts Here” and this shows why. It starts with skilled workers, smart businesses and a government that is committed to working in partnership to create jobs.

The significant program announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada will not only make our country safer and more secure, it will benefit our province and the rest of Canada in the decades to come.

Because of yesterday’s announcement, approximately 4,040 direct and indirect careers will be created throughout British Columbia. Suppliers will come from the Kootenays, the Peace, the Northwest, throughout the Cariboo and everywhere in between. This contract is great for B.C. families — and a real shot in arm for our economy.

As Premier I committed to support Seaspan’s bid by announcing in July that the province will offer enhanced training and other labour tax credits to eligible marine industry employers, invest resources to develop the long-term viability of the marine sector and create a new industry-led marine training centre.

We’re seeing real economic momentum build in British Columbia. In under a month we’ve seen the approval to export liquified natural gas in Kitimat, Western Forest Products decision to spend $200 million on coastal forestry operations and culminating in today’s $8 billion ship building contract.

Your BC Liberal government will continue to work hard to implement Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan. That’s why I will be travelling to China and India in November to secure first dollar investment to grow our economy and create even more high-paying careers. That’s why I won’t stop being B.C.’s number one salesperson.

Our approach is working. On a recent investor trip to Europe, Finance Minister Kevin Falcon heard loud and clear that British Columbia is recognized as a safe harbour for investment in the stormy global economy. Keeping spending under control, creating an environment where job creation is embraced and ensuring we maintain one of the lowest tax regimes in North America will remain a high priority for each and every BC Liberal MLA.

I’m optimistic about our future here in B.C., but let’s not stop making progress. Adrian Dix and the BC NDP would love to have the opportunity to take B.C. backwards to the high-tax, free-spending, job-killing policies that he implemented when he was chief architect of the disastrous 1990’s. Don’t let him!

We need to continue to raise money, organize and get our message out. It would be great if you could make a secure online donation today; sending $25, $50 or $100 today by clicking here will make a huge difference in ensuring that B.C. continues to have a free enterprise government in British Columbia.