For Immediate Release
September 4, 2014 — Halifax, N.S. — Public Works and Government Services Canada
The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, delivered the keynote address tonight at the 13th Annual Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Nova Scotia gala dinner, as part of the 2014 Canadian Defence Security and Aerospace Exhibition Conference (DEFSEC) in Halifax.
Minister Finley specifically focused on the Government of Canada’s commitment to Canadian men and women in uniform. She highlighted that since she came to office in 2006, defence spending in Canada has increased by 27 percent. This has allowed for the delivery of important defence procurement projects over the past eight years, which include C-130J Hercules tactical lift aircraft, C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft, Chinook medium-to-heavy lift helicopters and Leopard II tanks. Other major capital projects have advanced, such as the Light Armoured Vehicle upgrade and the Aurora aircraft modernization.
The Minister specifically cited progress underway for the Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels and Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships, as part of the $36-billion National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy, which has revitalized the shipbuilding industry in Canada.
During her remarks, Minister Finley highlighted a number of changes introduced by the Government of Canada to help improve the competitiveness of Canada’s aerospace and defence industries, including streamlining the Controlled Goods Programs and confirming permanent funding for the Build in Canada Innovation Program at $40 million per year, which includes a military component.
Referring to Canada’s new Defence Procurement Strategy, launched in February of this year, the Minister applauded industry representatives for their efforts to date in helping to ensure its successful implementation. She added that there is no better place in the world to invest than Canada, and companies who make that commitment will have a competitive advantage in bid evaluations.
Marcel Poulin
Office of the Honourable Diane Finley
819-997-5421
Media Relations
Public Works and Government Services Canada
819-956-2315
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