Irving Shipyard to lay off workers as it ramps up renos to build navy ships

HALIFAX – The Irving Shipyard in Halifax will begin laying off part of its workforce by the end of September as the site ramps up renovations to build a new fleet of navy ships.

Scott Jamieson, vice-president of programs at the shipyard, says the move is necessary to proceed with the construction of new facilities.

Jamieson couldn’t give the number of employees to be laid off, but says a number of trades will be affected.

He says the company hopes some workers will be recalled when work on six to eight Arctic patrol vessels begins in 2015.

The company got a $260 million loan from the provincial government in March 2012 to assist with the shipyard’s upgrades.

They include the building of an assembly hall and painting facilities.

Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version said the shipyard’s upgrades include the building of an assault hall.