The Royal Canadian Legion remains optimistic that the repatriation of an unknown soldier next year at the National War Memorial in St. John’s will not be delayed by a contract dispute.
Ocean Floor Granite of Bishop’s Falls was awarded the $100,000 contract in April to build the tomb where the soldier’s remains will be interred.
That moving moment is set to happen on July 1 of next year for the 100th anniversary and re-dedication of the War Memorial.
But that company was recently stripped of the contract over how they were powering their plant, with government saying Ocean Granite is now unable to finish the job.
Company owner Mark Brace is crying foul and considering legal action, suggesting the tomb can’t be done in time, if at all, for next year.
But the province is moving on, seeking a substitute supplier and guaranteeing completion for July 1.
The local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion is a partner in the entire War Memorial renovation.
Spokesman Gary Browne says the contract issue was first raised a few weeks ago among the steering committee.
He was asked if he has any misgivings with being ready for Memorial Day.
“I had no reason to get up this morning and be really worried to a point of that concern,” he said. “Right now, I’m as confident as I was last week that we’re going to have a fantastic ceremony for next July 1.”