$3.3B to build up to 10 new ships in B.C.

The federal government has announced it will spend $3.3 billion for the construction of up to 10 new large Coast Guard ships at the Seaspan Shipyards in North Vancouver.

The announcement was made by Minister of Public Works Diane Finley on Monday morning.

The new ships are in addition to the $8-billion contract for seven non-combat vessels, the federal government announced in 2011 for the shipyard.

"The Harper government is delivering on the commitment that we made to our shipbuilding industry, to the Royal Canadian Navy and to the Canadian Coast Guard," said Finley.

Percy Darbyson, spokesman for the marine and shipbuilders union, said the announcement means about 500 new jobs will be created.

A timeline for construction of the ships was not announced.