April 10, 2015 - Mirabel, Quebec
The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced a contract of up to $156 million awarded to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada for the procurement and delivery of seven medium-lift helicopters for the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG).
This contract will encourage economic growth, create jobs, and further business opportunities in the Canadian aerospace industry while ensuring that CCG men and women can continue to perform their important duties.
During his tour of the facilities, Minister Lebel also had the opportunity to see the progress being made on the construction of 15 light-lift helicopters, which Bell Helicopter began building in spring 2014. The first light-lift helicopter is on track for delivery with all remaining helicopters expected to be progressively delivered by March 2016.
The procurement of medium-lift and light-lift helicopters is part of the Coast Guard’s Fleet Renewal Plan, developed to replace many of its vessels and helicopters over the next 30 years.
“This contract will support the growing aerospace industry in Quebec. It will attract a skilled and youthful workforce to the area and drive economic prosperity. The aerospace industry is important to Quebec’s economy. I am proud to see that once again, Quebec’s economy and workers are benefiting from our Government’s investments in the renewal of our Canadian Coast Guard fleet.”
The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
“The acquisition of these helicopters further demonstrates our Government’s support for the Canadian Coast Guard. This will help ensure that the dedicated men and women of the Coast Guard continue to carry out their mandate and maintain vital services at sea or from any one of its locations serving Canadians across the country.”
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
“The courage, commitment and heroic efforts of the Canadian Coast Guard are truly inspiring. It is an honor and a privilege to provide these helicopters to the Canadian Coast Guard, and we look forward to seeing them flying in Canada’s skies.”
Raymond Leduc, president, Bell Helicopter Textron Canada
Photo caption: Minister Lebel and Raymond Leduc, proudly signing the agreement between the Government of Canada and Bell Helicopter to build seven Medium Lift Helicopters to be used by the Canadian Coast Guard.
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Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-990-7537
Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
NR-HQ-15-25E
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