News Release

BAS-CARAQUET (GNB) – The provincial government is willing to assume ownership and management of the New Brunswick Naval Centre in Bas-Caraquet.

Health Minister Victor Boudreau, who is also minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation, made the announcement today after meeting local officials.

“Jobs are our number one priority and creating opportunities for New Brunswickers to work is important,” said Boudreau. “There is still merit to this important infrastructure project and the provincial government is willing to take over the New Brunswick Naval Centre to ensure it is completed.”

The proposal consists of a two-phased approach, which is subject to a number of conditions, including some of the following:

• The provincial government takes ownership of the site, through the acquisition of all of the assets of the companies, including real property, personal property such as vehicles, machinery and equipment, material contracts and other assets integral to the infrastructure project for the nominal sum of $1.

• The government appreciates that there are significant liens, claims and other obligations encumbering the real property. It would be the government’s intention to settle or satisfy these proven, valid claims as part of the acquisition process.

• The government hires professional management for the site and the project through a private-sector expert.

• The municipalities of Bas-Caraquet and Caraquet honour their commitment to continue funding operations of the centre in the amount of $80,000 each for the next 10 years.

Phase one consists of assuming ownership of the centre and completing the original $10-million infrastructure project to ensure its survival. The second phase of the project for consideration by the government calls for renovating and repairing the u-wharf, slip and travel lift as well as completing the dry dock. Phase two is estimated at $28 million. The provincial government will seek partnership with the federal government to complete phase two.

“Through the Northern New Brunswick Economic Development and Innovation Fund, the province is willing to invest further funds to complete the project, providing all conditions presented to the centre’s board of directors are met and the federal government provides financial support,” said Boudreau.