Canadian Forces and Economy Get Boost from Upgrade to Military Aircraft

GATINEAU --- The Minister of Public Works and Government Services, the Honourable Christian Paradis, the Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, the Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, and the Minister of Industry, the Honourable Tony Clement, today announced that the Government of Canada awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin for the purchase of ten structural life extension wing kits for the CP-140 Aurora aircraft.>> The CP-140 Aurora aircraft is the Canadian Force's long-range patrol airplane. The CP-140 Aurora Structural Life Extension Contract will ensure that the fleet continues to meet airworthiness standards and remains operational for many years.>> This contract demonstrates our continued commitment to the Canadian Forces, said Minister Paradis. We are procuring critical operational equipment as quickly as possible for the men and women of our Forces, while getting the best value for Canadian taxpayers.>> These Aurora core structural upgrades will ensure the Canadian Forces can continue to protect Canadas maritime and northern sovereignty, said Minister MacKay. And they are in line with the Governments pledge to provide Canadas military with the equipment they need to do their job.>> The Industrial and Regional Benefits Policy applies to this contract, meaning that Lockheed Martin will generate one dollar of economic activity in Canada for every dollar it receives from the contract.>> Through the industrial regional benefits policy, we are making sure that every contract dollar awarded is invested back into the Canadian economy, said Minister Clement.