The president of a Wheatley shipbuilding company is calling on senior levels of government to provide more financial help and support to smaller companies.
Steve Ingram, President of Hike Metal, said smaller shipbuilders like his company in Wheatley don't get as much recognition as they should and don't get the support they need.
Ingram said that to date, Hike Metal has not received any financial support or recognition from the federal or provincial governments, yet the provincial government has a mandate to support shipbuilding in Canada.
"With many industries, money is typically poured into big business and companies, and the marine industry is no different. However, it's the smaller companies that are the lifeblood of this country and get no support or recognition," said Ingram.
He added that Hike Metal is a big-time and proud ship builder with an excellent reputation, but unfortunately, it gets overlooked.
"Hike Metal probably has more commercial vessels in service in Canada and Ontario than any other builder. And this remains the source of our personal pride and commitment to build quality vessels in the future," Ingram said.
Ingram noted Hike Metal builds vessels for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the RCMP, the Canadian Coast Guard, and many other offshore customers.
Hike Metal, founded in 1958, has also built the Maid of the Mist tour boats in Niagara Falls, the Toronto Island Airport ferry, and numerous police vessels.