Nova Scotia cabinet minister Kim Masland expects the new federal submarine project to bring major benefits across the province.
The federal government is moving ahead with 12 new submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy.
Six of them will be stationed and serviced in Nova Scotia.
Masland says that makes the announcement a major opportunity for the province.
“This really is an economic game changer for our province,” Masland said. “The decision to move forward 12 new submarines is just an absolutely huge opportunity for Nova Scotia.”
Masland says Nova Scotia has long been tied to Canada’s defence sector, especially through the navy’s presence in Halifax.
She says the project should mean good-paying jobs and long-term careers in skilled trades, engineering, manufacturing, technology and defence.
“For Nova Scotians, this means really good paying jobs,” Masland said. “It means long-term careers.”
Masland says the province will need to focus on getting its workforce, infrastructure and supply chains ready.
She says that includes making sure local businesses are positioned to compete for work tied to Canadian and international defence supply chains.
Masland says the impact should reach well beyond Halifax.
She says some people already commute from communities like the South Shore to work in Halifax’s naval and defence sectors, while future supply chain and workforce opportunities could benefit communities across Nova Scotia.
“This will be investment in our province that you’ll see trickle throughout our province,” Masland said.
She says the project could also give young Nova Scotians more reasons to stay, while encouraging others who have moved away to come home.
Masland says much of the file remains federal, but she believes Nova Scotia has an important role to play in preparing for the opportunities ahead.
