Long-awaited Bluenose II test drive called off due to missing document

HALIFAX – The government of Nova Scotia had to abruptly cancel a test drive for the Bluenose II Wednesday because of missing paperwork.

The deputy minister for the province’s Heritage Department says officials thought they had verbal approval to go ahead with the test in Lunenburg.

READ MORE: Classification agency’s late introduction blamed for Bluenose II delays

But Kelliann Dean says they later learned that what was actually needed was an inspection certificate from Transport Canada before the vessel could be allowed to leave the dock.

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The test drive has been postponed until further notice.

The Opposition Progressive Conservatives accused the Liberals of incompetence, saying the latest glitch was inexcusable.

Premier Stephen McNeil says David Darrow, his deputy minister and the clerk of the Executive council, will now assume oversight of the Bluenose II restoration.