CTF releases partial text of deal between Nova Scotia and Irving Shipbuilding, obtained through Freedom of Information

CTF asks NS government to release the all details of the deal before Irving starts spending millions of taxpayer’s money

HALIFAX, NS: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is asking the Minister of Economic and Rural Development to disclose all the details of its $304 million “secret” deal with Irving Shipbuilding. The call comes after the CTF obtained the agreement between Nova Scotia government and Irving Shipbuilding through a Freedom of Information Request, but the government redacted much of the all-important financial information.

You can find a copy of the agreement HERE HERE & HERE

“It’s time the Nova Scotia Government defend the interests of Nova Scotia taxpayers rather than protecting the interests of the Irvings,” said Kevin Lacey, Atlantic Canada Director with the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. “The Minister has said this is a good deal for Nova Scotia, if its such a good deal, why not release all the information to the public.”

The Nova Scotia government first refused the CTF’s request for documents pertaining to the Irving deal in May 2012 (More information HERE). After the CTF launched a campaign to have the deal made public, the Minister of Economic and Rural Development re-opened the CTF’s file, partially disclosing the terms of the deal, that we’ve released today.  

“This is a matter of principal. The Irvings are getting millions that could be used for our schools, hospitals or tax reductions. Before they get their hands in the cookie jar they should disclose the terms of their deal with taxpayers,” continued Lacey.

Specifically, the CTF wants to know, what are the interest rates and repayment terms of the $44 millions in loans that Irving Shipbuilding has to pay back; and what concessions (eg. local job requirements) did the government get for its $260 million hand out?

The CTF is demanding the government release details of the deal prior to the Irvings receiving any of the money. (As of November 20^th, Irving Shipbuilding has not asked for any of the money in the deal).

“All we are looking for is the government to commit in due course to release the details of this deal the made with Irving, so taxpayers know what they got for their $304 million,” said Lacey.

The CTF has appealed the FOIPOP decision, however due to backlogs it could take as long as 2.5 years before a decision is made.