Bringing Shipbuilding Jobs to Ontario
Heddle Shipyards signs long-term agreement to manufacture made-in-Ontario ship components under the National Shipbuilding Strategy
Today, our PC government was pleased to announce that Heddle Shipyards has signed a new long-term agreement with Vancouver-based shipyard Seaspan, under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, to manufacture tens of millions of dollars’ worth of ship components at their facilities in Hamilton, St. Catharines, and Thunder Bay, as well as their facility in Newfoundland.
This agreement will help Heddle grow and increase employment while revitalizing Ontario’s shipbuilding industry.
“I want to congratulate Heddle Shipyards on this long-term agreement, as it cements Ontario’s position as one of the best places in the country for major manufacturers to compete, succeed, and grow,” said Doug Ford, MPP for Etobicoke North and Premier of Ontario. “This historic partnership with Seaspan will create highly skilled, well-paying jobs in communities across the province, contribute to the construction of quality, Ontario-made components for these ships, and reinforce Hamilton’s status as a critical transportation hub in the province.”
Heddle is participating in the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters’ Ontario Made campaign. All of their ship components will bear the Ontario Made label, joining a range of manufacturers, retailers, and businesses who have stepped forward to proudly promote made-in-Ontario products through the program.
Our PC government has taken significant steps in Budget 2020, Ontario Action Plan: Protect, Support, Recover to make Ontario a more attractive to business and manufacturers like Heddle Shipyards. We are creating an environment for future investment, job creation, and a strong economic recovery through our plan which includes lowering job-killing electricity prices, investing in the skilled trades, and providing tax relief.
We will always work with our federal colleagues, workers, and the shipbuilding industry to ensure the right conditions are in place to create and protect good shipbuilding jobs right here in Ontario and ensure that the sector remains healthy, sustainable, and competitive for decades to come.