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Since then we have witnessed a transformation in the combatant and non-combatant NSS shipyards as they have become productive world-class facilities, with trained and motivated work forces. This is an accomplishment worth acknowledging.

In December 2017, the first Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel was launched and the first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) is nearing completion with construction of the second well underway.

Unfortunately, the UBC report provides no mention of this progress or acknowledges the point of departure for the shipbuilding strategy. Instead the report asserts that there has been an absence of direct Government involvement in the NSS projects and that costs have more than doubled.

In fact, Canada has been an active participant with the two prime contractors in addressing all significant issues relating to the contracts. This has consumed time with consultation and compromise needed to resolve numerous issues that were unfamiliar and exceptionally complex. As has been widely reported, the original estimated NSS project costs did not reflect the total all-inclusive program costs. Recent direction from the Treasury Board and the introduction of more accurate costing approaches has revised the overall estimated costs of the NSS. This should not be presented as a doubling of the estimated project costs.

The UBC report notes that the shipyards were not ready for the NSS. This is factual. However, it is incorrect to state that the Government and industry did not appreciate the considerable time and investment needed to equip, staff and ready the shipyards for the projects. In fact, this formed a foundation of the competitive bids submitted to select the NSS shipyards.