The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney P.C.
Prime Minister of Canada.

Re: Class 8 Icebreaker Program

Among the options you may consider is a proposal from Versatile Pacific
Shipyards Inc. (telex January 20, 1986) offering to prepare a modi fied
design at a significantly reduced final cost, based on its original bid
submitted in March 1985. Versatile Pacific Shipyard's fully documented
proposal provides a complete technical and commercial baseline from which
adjustments can be negotiated, so the Government of Canada can verify
that the modified design and reduced price are fully acceptable.
Furthermore, it would enable the project to proceed without deiay so that
key design personnel could be retained now and so that opportunities for
continuity in shipyard employment would occur at least a year sooner than

otherwise.

We recognize the proifems you and your colleagues face in reducing the
national deficit amid conflicting claims for increased spending.
However, this program is of great national importance in supporting
Canada's Arctic sovereignty claims. Your decision to proceed forthwith
by funding the project and awarding a contract will be endorsed by most
Canadians. Furthermore, the economies of North Vancouver, Esquimalt, the
Greater Vancouver Regional District and British Columbia will benefit
directly by the estimated 2,000 person years of direct employment; and
the Canadian economy will be boosted by the economic multiplier estimated
to be between $700 million and $1 billion over the next four years.

Please confirm the program and authorize its immediate implementation.
Respectfully Submi tted., .

J avipeth E Cua

Marilyn Baker, Mayor ck Loucks, Mayor
District of North Vancouver y-af th Vancouver

“SS ry
John Fitzpatritrk, President Ron Ferguson, President ;
Shipyard General Workers Fedér tion Vancouver Metal Trades Council

¢

Lac) .
Craig Clark, President ¢nior Vice Pres.
North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce Shipyards

fe 2

T.C. Ward,General Manager
Genstar Shipyards Ltd.

The position outlined in this submission is endorsed by:

The Policy Co-ordinating Committee of Mayors in Greater Vancouver

The British Columbia Federation of Labour.
oud

hw