NR 12.016 - February 6, 2012
ST. CATHARINES, ONTARIO - Mr. Rick Dykstra, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, on behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today announced that Seaway Marine and Industrial Inc. (SMI) was awarded a $21.7 million contract to refit Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Athabaskan, one of the Royal Canadian Navy's (RCN) three Iroquois-class destroyers. This contract supports more than 240 skilled workers in St. Catharines.
"Today's announcement is welcome news for the Canadian Forces and the City of St. Catharines," said Mr. Dykstra. "We are supporting skilled Canadian jobs right here in St. Catharines, and ensuring that our Royal Canadian Navy is prepared with the ships they need to protect our country's interests now and well into the future."
This contract was awarded following a competitive process as part of the life cycle of the Iroquois-class, occurring approximately every five years. SMI will conduct the work necessary between April and November 2012. Work includes docking the ship to facilitate extensive underwater repair and maintenance work. It will also involve comprehensive maintenance and repairs to the ship's high and low pressure air systems, fire fighting systems, electrical system, and deck equipment.
"Our government's top priority is supporting jobs and economic growth. This announcement demonstrates our ongoing commitment to maintaining and renewing the Royal Canadian Navy's fleets while supporting jobs in communities like St. Catharines," added Mr. Dykstra.
This work is needed to certify HMCS Athabaskan for another five years of service in the RCN fleet.
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