FREDERICTON, February 7, 2005 -- Three competitive contracts worth a combined total of $1,698,678, have been awarded to three New Brunswick companies to undertake various renovation projects in the province. The announcement was made today by the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians and MP for Fredericton, on behalf of the Honourable Scott Brison, Minister of Public Works and Government Services. "The projects to be renovated each play a key role in enhancing the economic prospects of their respective areas," said Minister Scott. "These contracts underscore the Government of Canada's firm commitment to its presence and to a lead role in creating and maintaining jobs in the regions." Under the first contract worth $914,022, Fundy Contractors Ltd., of St. George, will reconstruct the approach embankment, install a gangway as well as pontoons at Chance Harbour, St. John County. This contract will be completed in April 2005. Landco Construction Ltd., of Cap Pelé, will, for $413,264, replace the deteriorated wooden deck at Les Aboiteaux Harbour in Westmorland County with a reinforced concrete deck. It will also install new beams and replace the timber retaining wall on the eastern side of the wharf with a new concrete wall. This contract will be completed in June 2005. Both contracts have been awarded on behalf of the Small Craft Harbours (SCH) program of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The SCH program works through local harbour authorities in five regions across the country to provide commercial fishers and recreational boaters with safe and accessible facilities. Through these authorities, the SCH program ensures that nearly 1,300 harbours and 6,000 structures critical to the economic and social life of small maritime communities remain open and in good repair. Under the final contract, King Construction Ltd., of Fredericton, will supply and install six new sand filters to filter water from the St. John River into the incubation ponds at the Fish Culture Centre in Mactaquac. It will also build a new mechanical room, and install electricity in both the room and the sand filter area. This contract, worth $371,392, will be completed in March 2005. Funding for these contracts was provided for in the March 2004 Federal Budget. For information on contracting opportunities with the Government of Canada, visit www.merx.com, Canada's official, public sector electronic tendering service. - 30 - For further information, media may contact: Renée David Press Secretary Office of Minister Brison (819) 997-5421 Pierre Téotonio Senior Media Relations Advisor PWGSC (819) 956-2310 Campbell Morrison Press Secretary Office of Minister Scott (819) 997-0002 PWGSC news releases are also available on our Internet site at www.pwgsc.gc.ca/comm/min/text/mediaroom-e.html.
