The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today welcomed the signing of a preliminary contract with Irving Shipbuilding Inc. as part of the Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) project being implemented under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS).
This preliminary $9.3-million contract will enable Irving Shipbuilding Inc. to conduct a review of the existing AOPS design and specifications and create an execution strategy for the AOPS project. The AOPS will provide the Royal Canadian Navy with the flexibility to operate in Arctic and other offshore environments year-round, asserting and enforcing Canadian sovereignty, including domestic surveillance, search and rescue, and supporting other government departments.
“We have entered into a long-term relationship with Irving Shipbuilding, and we are pleased to see the awarding of this contract. This is the first in a series of contracts leading to the delivery of new ships for the Royal Canadian Navy,” said Minister Ambrose . “The National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy continues and we look forward to further progress, and the awarding of further contracts, as they pave the way to job creation and economic growth.”
“This strategic relationship with Canadian shipyards will help us deliver on our commitment to the Canada First Defence Strategy, and enable us to provide our Navy with the modern ships they need to defend Canada’s interests at home and abroad,” said Minister MacKay . “Canada has the longest coastline of any nation on Earth and these new ships will allow the Royal Canadian Navy to enforce Canada’s northern sovereignty.”
The National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy—the largest procurement sourcing arrangement in Canadian history—is expected to create thousands of high-value jobs in shipbuilding and related industries across the country. The Strategy is about undertaking major ship procurements in a smarter, more effective way—a way that sustains Canadian jobs, strengthens the marine sector and provides the best value for Canadian taxpayers.
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Source: Government of Canada, July 11, 2012; Image: forces.gc