Defence Minister Peter MacKay is proposing the construction of new military and coast guard vessels which would involve a revival of the neglected shipbuilding industry in the east coast.

The Conservatives have promised to build as many as eight Arctic offshore supply boats for the navy, replace the country's 12 patrol frigates, as well as modernize the fleet of medium and heavy icebreakers.

Mr. McLean estimated the price tag for all of the ship construction that needs to be done over the next 25 years could run as high as $40 billion.

Will this help east coast shipbuilders weather the current economic storm? Or is this just more political pork?