For immediate release
Gatineau, Quebec, March 8, 2013 – The Harper Government is holding the first in a series of technical consultation sessions for the Canadian surface combatant project today. This is part of the second phase of industry engagement for this project.
“The Harper Government is following through on our commitment to build ships in Canada,” said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women. “Our national shipbuilding strategy will result in long-term jobs and economic growth for Canadians, stability for the industry, and vital equipment for our men and women in the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard.”
Through this series of technical consultation sessions, the Government is seeking industry input on a number of subjects related to the design of combat ships. The topic of the first of these discussions will be the feasibility of a common hull for both the destroyers and frigates. Additional sessions will be scheduled over the coming months, as further industry input is required.
“Our Government continues to build on its strong record of ensuring the men and women who serve this country have the equipment they need to do their jobs,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. “The National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy continues and we look forward to further progress, in order to pave the way to job creation, economic growth, and delivering this critical capability to our Royal Canadian Navy.”
“The Canadian Surface Combatant project will ensure the Royal Canadian Navy can continue to monitor and defend our waters, and make significant contributions to international naval operations,” said the Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Delta-Richmond East. “We are committed to the complex work of rebuilding Canada's surface fleet while at the same time creating high-quality marine sector jobs.”
Under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy, the principles of extensive industry consultations, along with the establishment of a strong governance structure and the involvement of independent third parties, were applied in a comprehensive and innovative way and contributed to the success of the strategy. These elements now serve as the pillars of smart procurement and will be applied to Canada’s major procurements going forward.
For more information about the Canadian surface combatant project and the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy, please visit http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/app-acq/sam-mps/snacn-nsps-eng.html.
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