Seaspan Shipyards congratulates the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, PC, MP, on his appointment to the role of Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard
North Vancouver, BC – Seaspan Shipyards (Seaspan) congratulates the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, PC, MP, on his appointment to the role of Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard.
Having previously served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment, Minister Wilkinson understands the importance of Canada’s place as a maritime nation. As part of its core mission, the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) provides vital life-saving and coastal patrol operations to ensure the safety and security of Canada’s shores. The CCG also supports scientific research and the protection of Canada’s ocean environment. As part of his mandate, Minister Wilkinson will no doubt be responsible for delivering on the Government’s commitments under the National Shipbuilding Strategy and the Ocean Protection Plan.
Seaspan is an important driver of economic activity and growth in North Vancouver and, more broadly, on Canada’s west coast. It is also one of the region’s largest employers with more than 2,000 employees across its operations in North Vancouver and Victoria. In North Vancouver, the company operates two yards – Vancouver Shipyards and Vancouver Drydock – and provides well-paid, middle class jobs for tradespeople and office staff.
Shipbuilding has a long-history in British Columbia (BC) and North Vancouver specifically with the first shipyard having opened its doors here more than a century ago. Through its legacy companies, Seaspan has contributed to the construction of dozens of ships, including a number of CCG and RCN vessels. The company is proud to carry on this heritage with its current work as a partner to the Government of Canada and various commercial clients.
QUOTES
“Minister Wilkinson has demonstrated his commitment and service to North Vancouver residents since his election in 2015 and we wish him well as he assumes responsibility for Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard. Seaspan looks forward to working with him as we continue to deliver on our commitment to build the next generation of non-combat vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard as Canada’s shipbuilding partner under the National Shipbuilding Strategy.”
- Brian Carter, President & CEO, Seaspan Shipyards
QUICK FACTS
- Seaspan operates three shipyards with a combined workforce greater than 2,000 people across its yards in North Vancouver & Victoria
- To date, Seaspan has engaged approximately 500 Canadian companies and generated nearly $600M in committed contracts
- Currently Seaspan has three Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels under construction for the CCG – with the first one launched in 2017, one Joint Support Ship in production for the RCN, and design, engineering and planning work underway for the Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel
ASSOCIATED WEBLINKS
Announcement by the Government of Canada on changes to the Ministry
SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @Seaspan
LinkedIn: Seaspan ULC
Instagram: @SeaspanULC
ABOUT SEASPAN SHIPYARDS
With operations in North Vancouver and Victoria, Seaspan Shipyards is a leader in Canada’s shipbuilding and ship repair industry. With modern facilities and a dedicated workforce, the company has proven itself to be a reliable partner on a range of complex projects for both government and the private sector.
Seaspan Shipyards is proud to be Canada’s chosen non-combat shipbuilder under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). In this capacity, the company is building state-of-the-art ships in Canada for the Canadian Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy. Through its NSS-related work, Seaspan Shipyards is creating jobs, generating economic benefits and rebuilding Canada’s shipbuilding and marine industries.
-30-
Seaspan Shipyards
Nicholas Insley
Manager, Public Affairs
Office: 604-990-1824