Mr. Speaker, we have heard from Britain's House of Commons that Britain and Canada have been in serious discussions regarding the joint building of naval ships. Yet, even as it negotiates giving away Canadian jobs to other countries, the government continues to claim that it is fully committed to the national shipbuilding strategy; a strategy that we fought very hard for.
As the MP for Halifax, where the Halifax Graving Dock Company started in 1889 and the shipyard continues on today as part of Irving Shipbuilding, I am proud of the rich history of shipbuilders and shipbuilding throughout the Maritimes. It only makes sense to keep building ships in Halifax. We have the workers, the capacity, the history and the know-how.
Shipyard workers said they do not trust the government. The Conservatives broke their word on shipbuilding tariffs, and the people of Halifax are worried they will break their word again.
The government must stop endangering the jobs of Canadians and risk losing a century of skills. It is time to stand up and fight to keep these jobs in Halifax.