[SUMMERSIDE, PE] — Small and medium size businesses will soon have a chance to find out how they can take part in the federal government’s $30-billion Atlantic Shipbuilding Action Plan.
An information session will be held by J.D. Irving and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency on Monday, Feb. 27.
“There will be a presentation by Irving representatives,” said Lenny Kelly, account manager ACOA DG Enterprise and Development Policy. He noted the Irving representatives will be “trying to give companies a feel for what it would take to participate in the program in some fashion.”
He added the country’s two major shipbuilding firms, Irving Shipbuilding in the east and Victoria Shipyards in the west, are involved in laying the groundwork for the requirements for the action plan.
“They signed an umbrella agreement with the federal government,” notd Kelly. “Irving Shipyards will be the shipyard that will build the combatant ships, that would be the armed ships. Victoria Shipyards would be the shipyard that will build non-combat ships.
“Then getting down to negotiating specific contracts between the two yards and the Government of Canada would be the next step. They’re probably underway now.”
This is a program like no other, and a company wishing to participate can get valuable information at Monday’s session.
Kelly is also anxious “to know what the Irvings are going to say in terms of being able to provide information to any business on whether or not there’s a piece for them in the whole program. And, if so, what do I need to do to gear up or get certifications or training. That’s hopefully what companies can get out of this.”
The action plan has also provided big opportunities for Holland College and other community colleges across Atlantic Canada to provide training for companies needing an enhanced skilled work force.
The session will take place at the Loyalist Lakeview Resort on Monday, Feb. 27 from 8 a.m. to noon.
