Boatbuilding Project Launched

A three-year plan for the Export of Nova Scotia Fishing Vessel and Boatbuilding Technology was launched in Woods Harbour today.

The plan will encourage the development of the boatbuilding industry in Nova Scotia and prepare it to export vessels and technology to world markets.

The announcement was made today by Senator Al Graham, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister responsible for Nova Scotia, on behalf of Fred Mifflin, Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Keith Colwell, Nova Scotia Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, on behalf of Manning MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism.

The Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement for Economic Diversification will contribute $1.581 million toward a total project cost of $6.5 million. The remaining funds will be sought by the newly formed Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association through membership fees, trade initiatives and other government sources.

"This plan will help secure the future of Nova Scotia's boatbuilding industry, injecting vitality into one of this province's most historical industries," said Senator Graham. "It will help Nova Scotia boatbuilders market their exceptional skills and commitment to quality to international markets."

Mr. Colwell said the plan means Nova Scotia boatbuilders can look forward to a more secure future. "By selling to a global market, we're maintaining an industry that employs 450 Nova Scotians directly, and another 1,500 indirectly. In fact, exporting our quality vessels and technology has the potential to develop a bigger and better industry in the future."

The boatbuilders' association will co-ordinate the Export of Nova Scotia Fishing Vessel and Boatbuilding Technology project.

Components include: workforce skills upgrading and business training for work in foreign markets; research and development, including the use of computer-assisted design and advanced materials in vessel construction; developing and administering of quality-control standards; market research to help identify opportunities and tailor sales drives to each market; international marketing; and improved communications and co-ordination among Nova Scotia boatbuilders and marketing efforts.

"We have evidence that our yards are competitive in foreign markets, but we need the technological advice and expertise to break the barriers," said Craig d'Entremont, president of the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association. "This will give Nova Scotia companies the tools they need to succeed and compete internationally."

The Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification is managed by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development and Tourism.