Nova Scotia Invests $366,000 in Boatbuilders Association to Expand Markets and Defence Capacity
The Government of Nova Scotia announced a $366,000 investment from the Community Economic Development Fund to the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association on October 26, 2026. The funding will support local boatbuilders in promoting their services, expanding into new markets, and competing for national defence and international naval contracts.
On October 26, 2026, Minister Colton LeBlanc announced that the Government of Nova Scotia is providing $366,000 to the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association (NSBA) through the Community Economic Development Fund. The announcement took place at Wedgeport Boats Ltd. in Wedgeport. 
While the Government of Nova Scotia and CTV Atlantic specified the exact funding amount as $366,000, Global News reported the investment as "over $350,000."
The funds are designated to promote local boatbuilding and repair companies at industry trade shows and missions, in key trade publications, through online communications, and via strategic partnerships. The investment aims to help these businesses expand into new markets, strengthen the sector's capacity, create good jobs, and support coastal communities.
A central goal of the funding is to help boatbuilders deliver on national defence priorities. This includes small vessel construction under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy and improving the sector's competitiveness for international naval contracts.
The NSBA was established in 1998 to grow and diversify the province's boatbuilding industry beyond the domestic fishing boat market. Jan Fullerton serves as the Executive Director of the association.
Wedgeport Boats Ltd., where the announcement was held, counts Chelsea Hattie among its leadership as part owner and office/accounts manager. Nick Hilton is the MLA for Yarmouth.