November 13, 2014 – London, Ontario – Public Works and Government Services Canada
Today, the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Regional Minister for Southwestern Ontario, and Susan Truppe, Member of Parliament for London North Centre and Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women, announced the awarding of a $287-million contract to General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada (GDLS-C) to equip 66 upgraded Light Armoured Vehicles (LAV) with a new reconnaissance and surveillance system.
These upgrades will improve the safety of our troops and their ability to detect and engage threats from much greater distances than ever before. Specifically, the new reconnaissance and surveillance system includes the integration of radar sensors in the LAVs, so that soldiers will no longer have to leave the safety of the vehicle in order to use the radar equipment. There will also be new infra-red equipment, which will significantly improve night-time and overall daytime vision of the perimeter surrounding the vehicle. Upgrades will also be made to the vehicle’s firepower and mobility.
This new contract will maintain 60 full-time positions at General Dynamics, mainly in the London facility, and generate or maintain a significant number of additional jobs among the company’s sub-contractors. In addition, through this contract, 100 per cent of the contract’s value will be re-invested in direct and indirect industrial regional benefits.
This contract is another example of the Government’s commitment to providing the right equipment to the Canadian Armed Forces, while supporting Canadian manufacturing, skills, innovation and jobs.
Marcel Poulin
Office of the Honourable Diane Finley
819-997-5421
Media Relations
Public Works and Government Services Canada
819-956-2315
PWGSC news releases are also available on our Internet site.
Follow us on Twitter.