For immediate release
Halifax, Nova Scotia, December 17, 2009 – The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, and the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, announced today the award of a $44.7 million contract, excluding taxes, to conduct the refit of HMCS PRESERVER to Irving Shipbuilding Inc. of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
“Once again, the Government of Canada is drawing on the expertise of Canadian companies to deliver top-of-the-line services to our men and women in uniform,” said Minister Paradis. “We are committed to providing the Canadian Forces with the equipment and services they need, while delivering the transparency and accountability Canadians expect.”
The contract for the HMCS PRESERVER refit will create 225 Canadian jobs. On November 20, 2009, Irving Shipbuilding Inc. was also awarded a $22 million contract for the refit of the HMCS IROQUOIS. Work on both HMCS IROQUOIS and HMCS PRESERVER will be done at the company’s Halifax shipyard. These two contracts will lead to the creation of 335 jobs in the Canadian shipbuilding industry.
“The overarching goal of our Government's Canada First Defence Strategy is to deliver to the Canadian Forces the best equipment available to the people who protect us. The government is proud to make significant investments in defence equipment which contributes to the Canadian economy, supports Canadian industry, and contributes to the safety and security of Canadians,” said Minister MacKay.
The refit of HMCS IROQUOIS, a Tribal-Class destroyer, and HMCS PRESERVER, an auxiliary oiler replenishment ship, includes structural repair, hull painting, basic mechanical repairs, hull valve refurbishment, and shaft line repairs. Comprehensive maintenance and repairs will also be done to HMCS PRESERVER’s various ship systems including main and auxiliary machinery, air conditioning, and electrical and piping systems. Work on HMCS IROQUOIS will begin later this month, and is expected to be completed by fall 2010. Work on HMCS PRESERVER is expected to begin in April 2010, and with completion anticipated by February 2011.
Public Works and Government Services Canada, in close collaboration with the Department of National Defence, conducted an open, fair and transparent competitive procurement process for both contracts.
Conducting these maintenance repairs will ensure that Canada’s Tribal-Class destroyers and auxiliary oiler replenishment ships remain relevant, responsive and effective when carrying out their missions, and serving the needs of Canada and Canadians at home and abroad.
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For further information, media may contact:
Mary-Ann Dewey-Plante
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services
613-218-6961
Jay Paxton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway
613-996-3100
Media Relations
Public Works and Government Services Canada
819-956-2315
Media Liaison Office
Department of National Defence
1-866-377-0811
