In the Burnaby facility of OSI Maritime Systems, engineers and technicians are actively engaged in enhancing navigation systems for naval vessels. The company foresees a significant surge in their workload due to the increased defense budget allocation by Ottawa.
OSI specializes in constructing advanced ship bridges and navigation systems for the Royal Canadian Navy and numerous other naval forces worldwide. The company’s workforce has expanded from 265 to around 400 employees within just three years, showcasing substantial growth.
Jim Girard, the president of OSI, expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing the remarkable growth potential in Canada over the next decade. The federal government’s augmented defense spending aligns with NATO’s goals, aiming to elevate defense expenditure to five percent of GDP across the alliance by 2035.
Ottawa’s recent budget earmarked $6.6 billion for defense spending over five years, reinforcing the forthcoming defense industrial strategy. This strategic move is expected to invigorate the economy, generate high-paying jobs, and foster growth in British Columbia.
British Columbia has outlined a comprehensive 10-year strategy, known as the “Look West” plan, to expedite major projects, enhance skills training, and bolster key sectors like defense. The province aims to secure 35 percent of federal defense vessel contracts by 2035, collaborating closely with shipyard Seaspan.
Former federal defense minister, Harjit Sajjan, has been engaged to advise British Columbia on enhancing its competitiveness for contracts, emphasizing the need for swift action to capitalize on emerging opportunities. The surge in federal investment coincides with B.C.’s shipbuilding capacity gaining national attention.
While B.C. Ferries opted for a Chinese shipyard to construct new vessels, Seaspan refrained from bidding, citing challenges in competing with Chinese labor costs. The increased federal defense spending is anticipated to reshape B.C.’s industrial landscape, propelling skills training, infrastructure investment, and economic growth in the region.
OSI Maritime’s Girard highlighted the pivotal role of skilled workers in shaping B.C.’s defense shipbuilding future, underscoring the importance of investments in training and research and development. The province’s commitment to doubling funding for trades training aligns with its strategic vision to equip local companies with a proficient workforce to leverage defense-related opportunities.