OTTAWA, Aug. 31, 2004 -- The Honourable David Emerson, Minister of Industry, on behalf of Bill Graham, Minister of National Defence, is pleased to announce a $24-million contract has been awarded to Pacific Safety Products Inc. of Kelowna, British Columbia for the provision of approximately 50,000 Horizon 1 Chemical Warfare protective coveralls. "Pacific Safety Products Inc. is an example of the diverse, cutting-edge expertise present in British Columbia, and across Western Canada," said Minister Emerson. "This contract will not only provide valuable protection for our military, but will serve to further develop the international reputation of innovation in British Columbia." "The Horizon 1 chemical warfare protective coverall demonstrates the firm commitment by this government to protect our military forces against the threat of chemical warfare, a sad reality of todays' global security environment" said Minister Graham. "This contract represents a significant investment for Canadian industry, and will provide significant regional economic benefits for Canadians." "As the face of the battlefield continues to change, the Canadian Forces is committed to ensuring that personnel are adequately and effectively equipped against new and evolving threats," said General Ray Henault, the Chief of the Defence Staff. "The Horizon 1 Chemical Warfare coverall will provide increased protection, greater comfort and less heat burden than its predecessor." The Horizon 1 chemical warfare protective coverall is a dual-layered garment designed to provide toxicological agent protection. A liquid-agent repellent outer layer combined with a vapour-protective inner barrier layer that is thinner and more flexible than material previously available, permits the design of a closer fitting coverall with a reduced bulk and improved wearability. The coverall will be produced in both the Temperate Woodland and Arid Region versions of CADPAT. Pacific Safety Products Inc. will begin delivering the first Horizon 1 CW Protective Coveralls early in 2005, with final delivery expected in 2007. - 30 - For further information: (613) 996-2353/54 After hours: (613) 792-2973 World Wide Web: http://www.forces.gc.ca
