Bluenose II Court Case Reaches Settlement

Today, March 28, a settlement has been reached between the province and the Roué family over copyright and moral rights claims in the restoration of Bluenose II.

The dispute arose from allegations the province infringed on the Roués' copyright and moral rights by using William J. Roué's drawings in the Bluenose II restoration project.

"It is clear that the Bluenose II and her legacy belong to the people of Nova Scotia and that William J. Roué has played an important part as the original designer of Bluenose," said Tony Ince, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage. "I am pleased that a settlement has been reached, so that we can continue to move forward in a positive manner."

Under the terms of the settlement agreement:

• The Roué family will release the province, the Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance (the builders of Bluenose II), Lengkeek Vessel Engineering (the designers of Bluenose II) and MHPM (the project managers), from any and all claims relating to the Bluenose II restoration project or future activities relating to the Bluenose II.
• Neither the province, nor the Roué family acknowledge or admit liability.
• In full and final settlement, the province will pay the Roué family $300,000 which includes legal fees.
• The province and the Roué family will take steps to have the proceedings dismissed by the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia

The Bluenose II is in the final stages of restoration and is expected to sail this summer.