For immediate release
GATINEAU, Quebec, June 11, 2009 – The Minister of Public Works and Government Services, the Honourable Christian Paradis, and the Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, the Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, today announced that the Government of Canada has awarded a contract to Thales Systems Canada Inc. for $12.5 million and another to Rheinmetall Canada for $13.6 million. These contracts are part of the Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices Project — an initiative to provide the Canadian Forces with enhanced persistent surveillance capability.
“These contracts will provide state-of-the-art equipment to our Forces and concrete results for our economy,” said Minister Paradis. “We are delivering the equipment that our military personnel need, while providing taxpayers with the accountability and transparency they expect and deserve.”
“The acquisition of these systems delivers an important capability in countering the threat of improvised explosive devices,” added Minister MacKay. “These systems help to detect and neutralize bombs and thus improve the safety of our personnel. ”
Under the Enhanced Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices Project, the Department of National Defence is acquiring advanced capabilities to detect, neutralize and clear improvised explosive devices and other hazards and to deliver route surveillance. As part of the first phase of the project, PWGSC awarded contracts to procure persistent surveillance tower and aerostat systems to be used by the Canadian Forces in various theatres. The contracts will include supply and delivery of equipment and associated accessories, training, spares, and contractor integrated logistics support.
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For further information, please contact:
Mary-Ann Dewey-Plante
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Christian Paradis
Public Works and Government Services Canada
613-218-6961
E-mail: Mary-Ann.Dewey-Plante@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Public Works and Government Services Canada
819-956-2315
Jay Paxton
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Peter MacKay
Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway
613-996-3100
Media Liaison Office
Department of National Defence
613-996-2353 (local and international)
1-866-377-0811 (anywhere in Canada)
PWGSC news releases are also available on our Internet site at: http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/medias-media/index-eng.html.
