St. John's, NL – Senator Fabian Manning, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced that the Government of Canada has awarded Provincial Airlines Limited (PAL), a subsidiary of Provincial Aerospace Limited of St. John's, NL, a five-year contract worth $75 million to provide aerial surveillance of Canada's inland coastal and offshore waters. This contract was awarded in keeping with the Government of Canada open bidding system.
"This contract represents a significant investment in the Canadian aerospace industry and the Newfoundland and Labrador economy that will protect jobs and stimulate economic growth during the current slowdown," said Senator Manning. "Aerial surveillance is an important aspect of Canada's fisheries enforcement activities as well as helping to assert Canada's sovereignty and enhance marine security. "
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is responsible for monitoring, control and surveillance of Canada's fisheries waters as well as certain international areas, such as the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization Regulatory Area and the North Pacific.
The department's aerial surveillance program provides the capability to monitor domestic and foreign vessel activities and detect potential violations. The program also provides information on pollution surveillance, environmental monitoring and marine security to a number of other federal departments and agencies.
"I recently had the opportunity to take part in a surveillance flight with DFO fishery officers. I was extremely impressed with the technological capabilities of the aircraft and the professionalism of the crew," said Minister Shea.
Provincial Airlines Limited is a completely Canadian-owned company that is recognized worldwide as a leader in aerial surveillance operations and support. It has provided aerial surveillance services to DFO in various capacities since 1989. The company employs 750 people across Canada.
The contract includes exclusive use of three specially modified and equipped Beechcraft King Air B200 aircraft (and one back-up aircraft), complete with all ground support and other related services. Approximately 7,500 hours will be flown annually from three bases in St. John's, NL; Halifax, NS; and Comox, BC.
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans with Provincial Airlines Aerial Surveillance crew. (April 5, 2009-Charlottetown, PEI)
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Kevin Anderson, Director of Conservation and Protection, Newfoundland and Labrador Region, aboard an aerial surveillance flight. (April 5, 2009-Charlottetown, PEI)
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Scott Cantin
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-990-7537
Nancy Bishay
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
NR-HQ-09-27E
