FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2010

Andrew Saxton, Member of Parliament for North Vancouver, today announced on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, that Allied Shipbuilders Ltd. has been awarded a $15.5 million contract to complete major repairs to the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Bartlett.

This work is the second phase of a major life extension project for the CCGS Bartlett. The first phase was completed by Allied Shipbuilders Ltd. in July. Both contracts were awarded as a result of separate competitive processes.

The CCGS Bartlett is a medium-endurance multi-tasked vessel, used in tending to navigational aids, resupplying lighthouses, search and rescue, and fisheries enforcement. It is based in Victoria.

"This investment will help ensure that the dedicated men and women of the Canadian Coast Guard have the equipment needed to keep our waters safe, accessible and secure," said Mr. Saxton. "These repairs are expected to keep the Bartlett in service for another ten years."

Of the $175 million announced for the Coast Guard in the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, $74 million will be invested in life extension projects for five of the Canadian Coast Guard’s largest vessels. All repair work will be completed by March 2011. 

Backgrounder:

Canada's Economic Action Plan Investing in Major Repair Work on Canadian Coast Guard Vessels (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/back-fiche/2009/hq-ac26a-eng.htm)

- 30 -
FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Alain Belle-Isle
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-993-5413    Nancy Bishay
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(613) 992-3474