Coast Guard to see 24 new helicopters
Two will go on the new icebreaker, the CCGS John G. Diefenbaker
A Canadian Coast Guard helicopter flies an ice reconnaissance mission over Frobisher Bay on July 31. (FILE PHOTO)
The Canadian Coast Guard will receive 24 new helicopters over the next five years, Keith Ashfield, the federal minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and Rona Ambrose, the federal minister of Public Works and Government Services, said Aug. 20.
A Letter of Interest inviting aerospace representatives to an Industry Day has been posted on MERX, the government’s contracting website, to begin the procurement process.
“Helicopter air-support is a crucial component to the delivery of Coast Guard services and the maintenance of public safety,” Ashfield said. “Renewing the Canadian Coast Guard fleet of helicopters will stimulate economic growth in the aerospace industry, as well as create a variety of jobs and business opportunities.”
Two of the new helicopters are earmarked for the $750-million new icebreaker, CCGS John G. Diefenbaker, set to be commissioned in 2017.
The new helicopters will be easier to operate and maintain and are expected to have a service life of roughly 30 years, a news release said.
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