29 June 2006
Ottawa, Ontario
This week, Canada’s New Government began fulfilling a Throne Speech commitment to build a stronger military that is capable of defending Canada’s sovereignty at home, and meeting Canada’s military obligations abroad.
Key elements of the government's "Canada First" defence strategy were unveiled throughout the week by Defence Minister Gordon O’Connor, Public Works Minister Michael Fortier, Industry Minister Maxime Bernier and Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day. The elements include:
$5 billion for 4 strategic and 17 tactical aircraft, with an additional $3.3 billion to be spent over the next 20 years on in-service support, a large portion of which will be done by Canadian industry;
$2 billion to purchase 16 medium- to heavy-lift helicopters, with an additional $2.7 billion to be spent over the next 20 years on in-service support, which will largely be done by Canadian industry;
$1.1 billion to buy 2,300 medium-sized logistics trucks, associated components, logistic and training support, with an additional $100 million to be spent over the next 20 years on in-service support.
$2.1 billion for three supply ships, with an estimated $800 million to be spent over the next 20 years on in-service support.
“The Canadian Forces deserve better than the neglect they experienced under the previous Government,” said the Prime Minister. “To be truly sovereign, we must be able to deploy our forces and equipment where they are needed, when they are needed.”
All of the equipment will be purchased using a fair, open and transparent procurement process that will make sure Canadian taxpayers receive the best value for their hard-earned money. In addition, contractors are expected to deliver one dollar in high-quality economic activity in Canada for every one dollar they are awarded as part of this project.
“The Government will negotiate a specific industrial benefits package for this project," said Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry. "We expect contractors to deliver one dollar in high-quality economic activity in Canada for every dollar they are awarded as part of this project. This economic benefits package will mean billions in long-term business activity in Canada.”
The Prime Minister also praised Canada’s men and women in uniform. “Canada’s Armed Forces personnel remain what they’ve always been – quite simply the best and the most highly motivated service people in the world,” said the Prime Minister.
