CADSI Congratulates Federal Government and Shipyards on Swift Progress in Implementing Canada's National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy

Canada's defence and security industries are ready to get the job done

OTTAWA, Jan. 12, 2012 /CNW/ - Prime Minister Stephen Harper`s visits to the Irving Shipyard in Halifax, NS and the Seaspan Shipyards in Vancouver, BC, where he announced the conclusion of agreements in principle for the building of ships that will protect Canadians and defend our sovereignty, further demonstrates  the federal government`s commitment to create the right conditions for our industries to contribute to Canada's prosperity agenda and deliver world class Canadian-made equipment to enable the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard to accomplish their missions, said Tim Page, the president of the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI).

"Today's announcement provides further momentum for the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy and for the creation of jobs and economic activity across Canada," said Page . "We are encouraged by the positive steps taken by the government to make defence procurement work for Canadians. CADSI believes that today's announcements are key building blocks of a defence industrial strategy that will strengthen this sector for the benefit of all Canadians."

The National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS) launches the development of a strong shipbuilding and marine industries that will provide benefits for decades to workers and the communities in which they live. Utilizing Canadian expertise and innovation to outfit our made-in-Canada ships is a key component that will ensure Canadians receive maximum value from this $35-billion investment. It will also foster the development of a leading-edge, competitive capability that will help Canadian companies compete on the international market.

"Canadian workers from the marine, system integration and defence electronics sectors have the skills and know-how to work alongside their colleagues from Canada's shipbuilding sector to provide state-of-the art equipment and services that will best serve the men and women who defend our country and patrol our coast," said Page. "This is an important way for the government to stimulate innovation, job creation and help Canada make its mark on the world stage."

About CADSI:

CADSI is a national, not-for-profit, business association that represents the collective interests of its members. It represents 880 member companies that employ 90,000 knowledge-based workers and that generate $10 billion a year in direct military sales to the Canadian and foreign governments.

Tim Page - 613-235-5337 x 24
CADSI President