Quebec shipyard reopens with help from Ottawa
1,100 workers back to work by end of March
Last Updated: Monday, March 2, 2009 | 2:20 PM ET
CBC News
Related
Internal Links
With some help from the federal government, the Davie shipyard in Lévis, Que., is bucking the economic trend by calling back 1,100 workers it laid off last December.
Just across the river from Quebec City, Davie Yard Inc. reopened Monday, initially with just 60 to 75 workers to get things ready for full production by the end of March, according to Paul-André Bulotte, president of the shipyard's employees union.
Financial troubles forced Davie to close its operations last December to preserve cash.
But the federal government stepped in just a week after it closed with $380 million in credit financing and guarantees.
Most of the $380 million will come in the form of loan guarantees to companies that owe money to Davie so they are able to pay their bills. Davie will also benefit from a $50 million line of credit.
When announcing the financial package last December, International Trade Minister Stockwell Day said the plan would allow Davie to complete a major contract it had in the works for five large ships.
The shipyard is the largest in Canada. It has built more than 700 ships since the yard opened in 1825.
Share Tools
Latest Montreal News Headlines
- Quebec students ready for tuition hike, says one leader
- The president of Quebec's College Student Federation (FECQ), Leo Bureau-Blouin, tells CBC Radio's The House that students "are ready for a compromise on the amount of a tuition hike," as the Quebec government and the province's student associations prepare to resume talks. more »
- Tornado touchdown confirmed near Montreal
- Trees were uprooted, roofs damaged and windows shattered as severe thunderstorms, and a tornado rattled through southwestern Quebec Friday night. more »
- Champlain Bridge road work blitz this weekend
- Transport Quebec is advising drivers to avoid the Champlain Bridge corridor this weekend as a blitz of major road work closes down some lanes. more »
- IOC's Jacques Rogge encourages Olympic bids for Quebec City, Toronto
- International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge believes there is an opportunity for either Quebec City or Toronto to host a future Olympic Games. more »
- Casserole pan-demonium in Quebec
- Residents take to the streets with pots and pans to protest Bill 78. more »
Top News Headlines
- Everest team unable to bring down Toronto woman's body
- Bad weather has hampered the recovery team that is attempting to bring down the body of a Toronto woman who died trying to climb Mt. Everest. more »
- 32 Syrian children die in artillery attack, says UN
- More than 90 people have been killed by regime forces in a district of central Syria, with the head of the UN team in the country confirming more than 32 children and 60 adults were killed the attack. more »
- Aylmer triple stabbing leads to first-degree murder charges
- The estranged partner of a young mother who was stabbed to death along with her parents at their home in Aylmer, Que., has been charged with first-degree murder Friday. more »
- The risks and responsibilities of taking on Mt. Everest
- The deaths of six climbers last weekend on Mt. Everest, with more summits underway this weekend, fuels the debate about the risks and responsibilities of high altitude climbing. more »
Most Viewed/Commented
- Tornado touchdown confirmed near Montreal
- 32nd night protest in Montreal
- Quebec students challenge Bill 78 in court
- Mysterious photos may shed light on 2004 Quebec homicide
- Quebec faces mounting pressure amid student crisis
- Ottawa man in hospital after lightning strike
- Aylmer triple stabbing leads to first-degree murder charges
- Son testifies on behalf of father accused of killing wife
- Bookies set odds on Quebec student protest
