Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the Government of Canada will extend the contract to maintain Canada’s fleet of 78 CF-18 fighter jets until Canada’s next generation fighter capability becomes operational. The Prime Minister was joined at the announcement by Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence.
“Our Government is committed to providing the Canadian Forces with the tools and equipment they need to defend our sovereignty at home and perform their missions abroad,” Prime Minister Harper said. “Today’s important announcement also generates significant economic benefits for the Canadian aerospace industry, a big part of the Greater Montreal economy.”
The contract with L-3 Communications MAS based in Mirabel, Quebec will be extended to provide aircraft support and maintenance for the CF-18 fighter jets. The contract extension follows the delivery of the final updated CF-18 Hornet aircraft in March 2010.
The contract extension advances the Government’s long-term objectives set out in the Canada First Defence Strategy to rebuild and support the military. Through this strategy, the Harper Government is providing predictable, long-term funding to increase the readiness of the Canadian Forces, improve defence infrastructure, modernize equipment and expand both the Regular and Reserve Forces. The Canada First Defence Strategy also provides significant and long-term economic opportunities for Canadian communities and industry, creating jobs and helping Canadian businesses become leaders in the high-tech and research sectors.
