Premier Tim Houston says Nova Scotia is well positioned to benefit from Canada’s new submarine project, but the province still has work to do to prepare.
The federal government has selected Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, also known as TKMS, as the preferred supplier for Canada’s next submarine fleet.
The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is expected to deliver up to 12 modern submarines to replace the aging Victoria-class fleet.
Houston calls it a major opportunity for Nova Scotia.
“It’s the biggest procurement in the history of our country,” Houston said. “It’s a massive, massive buy and Nova Scotia is Canada’s capital of defence.”
Houston says the project fits with the province’s broader economic plans, including defence, energy and natural resources.
He says Nova Scotia already has a long-standing relationship with Canada’s defence sector, including through the Defence Leadership Table, where government, military and private-sector officials meet regularly.
Houston says the province has also had contact with the companies involved in the procurement process.
But he says the next challenge is making sure Nova Scotia is ready for the growth that could come with the submarine project.
“The big ones are housing, of course,” Houston said.
He says the province needs enough homes for workers and families tied to future defence activity.
Houston says the province also needs trained workers.
He pointed to the More Opportunity for Skilled Trades program and changes to the apprenticeship system as examples of work already underway.
Houston says the province had set a goal of 5,000 new apprentices by 2026, but has already reached almost 9,000.
He says access to health care and other services will also matter as the province tries to support new workers and economic growth.
A new maintenance facility will also be required for the submarines.
Houston says the province will work with the federal government and the project proponent, but details on where that facility will be located are not known yet.
“There definitely will be a maintenance facility built,” Houston said.
He says existing defence infrastructure around Halifax Harbour is aging and will need investment.
Houston also expects spinoffs beyond the military itself.
He says the submarines, their operation and their maintenance will require goods and services from private businesses of different sizes.
“That’s called the supply chain,” Houston said.
He says those opportunities could benefit small and medium-sized businesses, while supporting jobs and economic activity across Nova Scotia.
Houston says the defence sector is already a significant part of the province’s economy, and he expects that to continue growing.
