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June 23rd, 2015

Denis Blanchette calls on Conservatives to make quick decision about Davie shipyard

The NDP’s Québec lieutenant, Denis Blanchette (Louis-Hébert), is surprised by the Conservative government’s announcement earlier today regarding the Davie shipyard. A decision should have been made for the workers and the shipyard.

“We’ve been asking the government about this offer for months. Today, we learned that the Conservatives haven’t even started discussing solutions with the concerned parties. They promised discussions with the Davie shipyard, but in the meantime 200 workers are unemployed while awaiting a decision.”

Reports in the media this morning suggested that workers would finally get some answers, but the Conservative government’s news conference did the exact opposite.

The shipyard’s proposal to provide the Navy with a temporary supply ship following the retirement of two existing supply vessels dates back to 2014. In the last few months, Blanchette has raised the issue a number of times through questions and debates in the House of Commons.

“I am asking that these discussions proceed smoothly so that workers, their families, the shipyard, its suppliers and the Navy aren’t used as political bargaining chips during the election campaign. A step in the right direction is not enough; a decision must be taken without delay.”