Expect shipbuilding lobbyists, Dexter says

By DAVID JACKSON Provincial Reporter

(June 3, 2011) – Premier Darrell Dexter expects there will be lobbying on Ottawa’s $35 billion in shipbuilding contracts, despite federal Public Works Minister Rona Ambrose’s message at a defence industry trade show.

Ambrose told the audience in Ottawa on Wednesday that companies involved in the bidding were asked not to use lobbyists in an effort to keep politics out of the process.

When asked about her comments Thursday, Dexter said, “There are lobbyists in Ottawa and there’s lots of them. And you can count yourself out if you like but I can tell you, there’s a lot of people who aren’t going to count themselves out.”

Dexter was in Ottawa on Monday to lobby on behalf of the Irving-owned Halifax Shipyard. He’s not a paid lobbyist, like those who must register with the federal government.

Dexter said he wants the bid process to be transparent and merit-based. He’s said many times that he thinks the Halifax Shipyard builds the best ships in the world.

New British Columbia Premier Christy Clark also plans to lobby Ottawa on behalf of Seaspan Marine Corp.’s bid. Two other shipyards – one in Ontario and one in Quebec – are also in the running.

The deadline for the firms to present proposals is July 7.

Source: The Chronicle-Herald [Halifax], Fri 3 Jun 2011

http://thechronicleherald.ca/NovaScotia/1246597.html