In the heart of OSI Maritime Systems’ Burnaby facility, engineers and technicians are immersed in crafting cutting-edge navigation systems for naval vessels, a task set to surge following Ottawa’s multi-billion-dollar commitment to bolster defense spending.
Jim Girard, the president of OSI, expressed, “We’re currently on the brink of a transformative era.” The company specializes in developing advanced ship bridges and navigation solutions for the Royal Canadian Navy and over 25 other global naval forces.
With a workforce now totaling around 400 employees, a significant rise from 265 just three years ago, Girard foresees substantial growth emanating from Canada in the next decade. The increasing defense budget allocation by the federal government is viewed optimistically by shipbuilding and naval technology firms.
NATO-endorsed plans to elevate defense spending to five percent of GDP over the next decade have spurred Ottawa’s recent commitment of $6.6 billion over the next five years towards its forthcoming defense industrial strategy.
British Columbia is seizing the opportunity to invigorate its economy and cultivate high-paying jobs, according to Girard. The province has unveiled a comprehensive 10-year blueprint, known as the Look West strategy, aiming to expedite major projects, enhance skills training, and fortify key industries, including defense.
BC Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon emphasized the determination to ensure that local labor and businesses reap the rewards of the increased federal expenditure. To bolster its position, the province has enlisted former federal defense minister Harjit Sajjan to offer guidance on competing for contracts, with Sajjan providing his expertise pro bono.
The infusion of federal investments coincides with a notable moment for BC’s shipbuilding sector. B.C. Ferries’ selection of a Chinese shipyard for constructing four major vessels sparked debate, with Seaspan, a prominent Canadian shipyard, opting out due to cost and time constraints. The surge in defense investments is expected to reshape BC’s industrial landscape, notably enhancing skills training, infrastructure, and the overall ecosystem.
Girard emphasized the pivotal role of workforce development in shaping BC’s future in defense shipbuilding, emphasizing the significance of investments in training and research to ready the workforce for upcoming opportunities. The province’s recent announcement to double funding for trades training aligns with its strategy to ensure that local businesses are equipped with the necessary workforce to leverage the defense expenditure.
In summary, the increased defense spending by Ottawa presents a significant opportunity for BC’s shipbuilding industry, with a focus on workforce development and local economic stimulation at the forefront of the province’s strategy.
