This week, I joined a delegation representing Newdock, Qalipu First Nation, Membertou First Nation, Horizon Naval Engineering, and Genoa Design International in Ottawa to advance discussions with federal departments, agencies, ministers, and Members of Parliament regarding Project Oqwatn (Ohk-wah-den), meaning ‘North’, our expansion plan for Newdock.

This visit strengthened national awareness of our dockyard’s importance to both Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador. Federal departments clearly recognize the growing pressure on east coast marine infrastructure as both naval and Coast Guard fleets grow. Project Oqwatn positions our province to meet those demands while creating long-term economic benefit here at home.

Canada’s Coast Guard and Navy are expanding their fleets to support Arctic sovereignty. These larger, longer vessels require places to berth for emergency repairs, maintenance, and vessel life extension. With a recognized shortage of ship repair facilities across the country, Newdock stands ready to help meet that national need.

Newdock is 95% Indigenous-owned, making it a key asset in fulfilling Canada’s commitment to Indigenous economic reconciliation. It demonstrates how Newfoundland and Labrador can lead the country in building strong, future-focused Indigenous partnerships in the marine and defence sectors.

For our province, the expansion of Newdock means high value jobs that align with Canada’s apprenticeship targets and the expanded capacity to support major provincial initiatives such as Bull Arm and Churchill Falls, among others.

We look forward to further discussions with both the Provincial and Federal governments so that we can collectively meet the needs of a nation that looks increasingly to its oceans for security, prosperity, and sovereignty. Project Oqwatn is more than an expansion: It is a statement of confidence in Newfoundland and Labrador, in Indigenous economic leadership, and in Canada’s ability to invest in and strengthen its marine capacity.