April 18, 2013
Petawawa, ON
13 March 2013
Member of Parliament Cheryl Gallant,
Deputy Mayor Tom Mohns,
LCol Moyle,
LCol Szelecz,
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It’s always a pleasure to come back to CFB Petawawa.
For more than 100 years, this base has been home to generations of men and women who have proudly worn the military uniform.
And today, it remains one of the busiest operational bases in the country.
Our Government – and Canadians at large – are grateful for your ongoing service…
…and we are committed to ensure your future success.
To that end, I am happy to be here today to see the shovel hit the ground on one of the newest infrastructure investments at this base…
…and to bring more good news to all of you who live and work here in Petawawa.
CFDS and Defence Renewal
Ladies and Gentlemen, you know as I do, that Canada relies on its armed forces to ensure the security of our nation.
You are essential to defence efforts here at home.
You work closely with our American partners across the continent.
And you contribute to international peace and stability, in places like Afghanistan and Haiti.
That is why, under the Canada First Defence Strategy, our Government committed to make steady and substantive investments in Canadian Armed Forces personnel, equipment, readiness and infrastructure…
…so that you’ll have the tools and training you need to do the important work that Canada asks of you.
Announcement 1 – New Housing Units for MHLH Personnel
And we’ve been putting this strategy into action.
As you’ll recall, we purchased fifteen new Chinook medium-to-heavy lift helicopters to enhance the rotary-wing transport capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces…
…a capability that will be housed right here at CFB Petawawa.
The Government has already made significant investments to ensure that the base is properly equipped to support these new aircraft…
…investing close to $240 million dollars to construct a hangar and other critical infrastructure to maintain the new helicopter fleet.
And last month, the first group of support personnel for the new fleet began their training program in Philadelphia.
In a few months, approximately 45 support personnel will be ready to support the first of our new Chinook helicopters, which is expected to arrive this June.
These newly trained members – and their families – will be joining the strong and vibrant military community right here at CFB Petawawa.
That’s why – in June 2012 – our Government invested an additional $33.4 million dollars to construct 72 new family housing units for these military families.
I am proud to be here today to take part in this ground breaking ceremony and to launch Phase One of this project.
This phase, which will be completed by Wade General Contracting Ltd of Petawawa, Ontario, is valued at approximately $5.5 million dollars.
When completed, Phase One will bring 26 new homes to this base.
We anticipate that the construction contracts for the remaining units – under Phase Two and Three respectively – will be awarded in May and June of this year…
…creating new work for firms and employees in the region – and elsewhere in Canada – in the months to come.
Announcement 2 – Investments in New CANSOF Infrastructure
Furthermore, I am happy to announce that the Government is also enhancing the facilities for the Canadian Special Operations Regiment.
As the global security environment continues to evolve…
…the specialized skills and high level of readiness maintained by this Regiment will continue to be a critical capability for the Canadian Armed Forces.
Since it was created in 2006, this Regiment has been housed in temporary infrastructure.
However, as it continues to grow and evolve, the time has come for permanent and purpose-built facilities that will meet the special training and operational needs of this unique unit.
And I am happy to tell you that the Government is making progress in this regard.
As we speak, the Defence Team is in the process of reviewing contract proposals for an indoor firing range that will be designed to help the Special Operations Regiment maintain their precision shooting skills.
And we are also seeking design proposals for a facility that will become the permanent home of the Canadian Special Operations Regiment.
When completed, these projects will not only support the readiness and skill levels of our special forces….
…they will also add to the significant economic impact that CFB Petawawa has on the local economy.
Conclusion
Ladies and Gentlemen, today’s announcements are just more examples of how the Government is continuing to deliver on its commitment to invest in the Canadian Armed Forces.
These are good news for all of you who call this base home.
And these are good news for Canadians – and Canadian industries – as they benefit from these economic opportunities.
These project carry the potential of creating or sustaining 80 jobs in the area.
Our Government is committed to work with the Canadian Armed Forces and Canadian firms as we march towards an ever-stronger future.
And I look forward to sharing these successes with you in the months and years to come.
Thank you.
