The governments of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, and NSP Maritime Link Inc., a subsidiary of Emera, today, Nov. 26, took part in a ground-breaking ceremony for the start of construction of the Maritime Link project.
Energy Minister Andrew Younger, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Natural Resources Derrick Dalley, and Chris Huskilson, president and CEO of Emera, attended the ceremony at the Bottom Brook, N.L., construction site and also signed an industrial and employment benefits agreement for the Maritime Link Project. The agreement is based on terms in the interprovincial Memorandum of Understanding signed by the provinces in late 2011.
“This project creates an important link in our region, bringing clean, renewable energy to Nova Scotia, as well as local economic opportunities,” said Mr. Younger. “We’re already seeing a number of Nova Scotia companies actively working on this significant infrastructure project with even more opportunities coming as the project ramps up next year.”
With an estimated cost of $1.577 billion, the Maritime Link project is expected to create an average of 300 jobs per year between both provinces during construction. Employment is expected to peak at 600 in 2016. About 200 people are currently working on the project between provinces, and local companies in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador are working on a number of aspects of the project.
“Today represents another important milestone for the Lower Churchill project,” said Mr. Dalley. “The benefits agreement ensures significant opportunities for the people and businesses of our province. With this agreement now finalized, benefits during the construction phase of the Maritime Link project are secured for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
The agreement includes commitments to:
— equal opportunities for Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador businesses and residents
— a fair, open and transparent procurement and contracting process for suppliers and contractors in both provinces
— funding for training and development positions for the specialized nature of the Maritime Link project
— educational sponsorships for universities in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador to support Maritime Link related technologies
— tracking and reporting updates of economic and employment benefits for both provinces
“Today’s agreement ensures that businesses and residents in both provinces are treated equally and fairly when it comes to economic opportunities resulting from the Maritime Link Project,” said Chris Huskilson, president and CEO of Emera. “To date, more than $100 million has been awarded to local companies in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, and we are just getting started.”
Already 12 local companies in Nova Scotia are working on the Maritime Link project. A list of those companies follows this release.
Source: Release
