The investment, which for the first three years is worth $22.6 million, could rise to $39.5 million over five years. The money will go to the Ottawa professional services division of Canadian company CAE Inc., to provide the latest cutting-edge simulation technology to help Canada’s military undertake its missions both at home and abroad.
Baird, who made the announcement on behalf of Defence Minister Peter MacKay, said simulation represents one of the “most advanced, sophisticated tools” available to modern armed forces, and Canadian Forces deserve no less.
“Our military personnel play a fundamental role in protecting all Canadians whether defending our sovereignty, performing search and rescue and helping others with disaster relief right here at home, or advancing Canada’s security interests and promoting Canadian values around the world,” Baird said at Carleton University’s Visualization and Simulation Centre.
“And because their work is so important, demanding and often dangerous, they need and deserve the very best tools and equipment so they can carry out their missions effectively and return home safely.”
Baird said the contract will provide military personnel hours of the best possible training through demonstrations, exercises, experiments and mission rehearsals, and help hone in their skills.
“Simulators are vital to achieving and sustaining Canadian Forces’ readiness. They help provide training that involves highly realistic combat scenarios in a cross-country network of high technology systems,” he said.
“With the award of this contract, we are ensuring that the Canadian Forces will continue to benefit from the remarkable transformation that is taking place in military training systems through the use of network simulators.” Baird said
CAE Inc. specializes in civil aviation, military and helicopter training services around the world. Gene Colabatistto, group president of military simulation and training services, called the contract an “exciting project,” and said CAE, is all about “giving the men and women of the Canadian Forces the best training possible.” The contract will support 25 skilled jobs in the city, and Carleton University will host part of the work.
The
initial $22.6 million contract includes two one-year extension options
worth $8.47 million each. When the two extension options are exercised,
the value shoots up to $39.5 million.
Baird said he is not only
pleased that the government is giving the Canadian Forces modern
equipment and training, but helping the local economy.
“This contract
will bring significant economic benefits to the national capital region
by investing $38 million in the local economy and supporting 25 skilled
jobs right here in the capital,” he said.
Meanwhile, Baird refused
to show his hand in the ongoing controversy over the city’s plan to use
the Ottawa River Parkway for the western extension of the light rail
project. Putting rail tracks on the parkway to extend LRT from Tunney’s
Pasture to Lincoln Fields and Baseline stations is the city’s preferred
option, but the National Capital Commission is bitterly opposed. In a
recent Citizen interview NCC chair Russell Mills said the board as it
stands would not support the parkway option. Baird is not only the
senior minister for Ottawa, he is responsible for the NCC and city
politicians believe that he, in the end, will make the crucial decision
on whether to allow rail on the scenic parkway.
Asked to shed some
light on the issue, Baird remained noncommital. He said the city is
responsible for public transportation, “which is important for our
quality of life,” and it is obviously looking to move forward with LRT
“at the least possible cost.” But the NCC also has an important
responsibility to “protect the national capital region, our Greenbelt
and green space,” and while both sides are talking, Baird said he’ll let
the process run its course.
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