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Irving seems to be upset about Davie’s ongoing efforts to win work under the National Shipbuilding Strategy.

In a new deal with the federal government, Davie will refit existing icebreakers that are to be owned by the federal government. This is part of federal efforts to shore up Canada’s icebreaking capability.

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At an event last week to announce the contract, Steven MacKinnon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Service and Procurement Canada and Member of Parliament (Gatineau, Quebec) also stated that Davie Shipyard in Levis, Quebec will have opportunities to bid and win work under the National Shipbuilding Strategy.

That has sparked concern from Irving which issued on Monday a statement that it is worried MacKinnon’s remarks “signal the possible redirection of shipbuilding work out of Atlantic Canada.”

During the new conference MacKinnon said Davie could be in line for work under the shipbuilding strategy. “Davie had, has had, and will continue to have opportunities under the national shipbuilding strategy to bid, to win work, and the quality of the work that’s done in this shipyard speaks for itself,” he said.