John Turner has joined Seaspan Shipyards as its vice president for government relations.

Turner joins the British Columbia company from Newfoundland and Labrador-based PAL Aerospace. He had also worked in Canada's Department of National Defense.

"It is important that we have a person of John’s experience and calibre based in Ottawa to facilitate and further strengthen our relationship, engagement and communication with our federal government customers," said chief executive Mark Lamarre.