The Nova Scotia Chambers of Commerce is adding its support to the bid by Irving Shipbuilding Inc. to have combat and Coast Guard vessels built in this province. The contracts would be worth about $35 billion over the next 30 years.

“While the bulk of the work would take place in Halifax, we firmly believe the enormity of the contracts means the entire province would benefit,” says Chris Atwood, President of the Nova Scotia Chambers of Commerce. “While any region would benefit from receiving this work, we are convinced the biggest impact would be right here in Nova Scotia.”

A report by an independent consulting firm confirms this, saying for every $1000 spent on this project in Nova Scotia, another $491 would be generated in other parts of Canada. The report also shows that the average income in Nova Scotia would increase by $447 annually, leading to more cars and homes being purchased in this province.

“We feel it is important to let provincial and federal politicians know that we are firmly behind this bid,” explains Atwood. “There is also an opportunity for some smaller shipyards outside of Halifax to benefit from this work as well and that is fantastic. These contracts would indeed be a game-changer for Nova Scotia.”

The Nova Scotia Chambers of Commerce, comprised of more than 30 Chambers of Commerce in this province, is urging all of its members to get behind Irving’s bids. The NSCoC has sent a letter of support to Premier Darrell Dexter, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, as well as Irving and several provincial and federal politicians. It is encouraging its members to do the same.

“In fact, we are encouraging all Nova Scotians to get behind these bids,” says Atwood. “Securing the contracts would mean billions for our province in payroll, tax revenues and consumer spending. It would be difficult to overstate the impact this could have on Nova Scotia.”