Government of Canada Strengthens Sovereignty While Generating
Significant Economic Benefits
The Government of Canada announced Friday it is acquiring the
fifth generation Joint Strike Fighter F-35 aircraft to contribute
to the modernization of the Canadian Forces, while bringing
significant economic benefits and opportunities to regions across
Canada.
“The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is the best aircraft we can
provide our men and women in uniform to face and defeat the
challenges of the 21st century,” said the Honourable Peter
MacKay, Minister of National Defence. “This multi-role
stealth fighter will help the Canadian Forces defend the
sovereignty of Canadian airspace, remain a strong and reliable
partner in the defence of North America, and provide Canada with an
effective and modern capability for international
operations.”
“A lengthy and intense competition was completed in 2001
for who would build the F-35,” said the Honourable Rona
Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and
Minister for Status of Women. “Canadian companies and the
Canadian government helped develop the F-35, and now we are
exercising our option under the Joint Strike Fighter memorandum of
understanding to acquire it.”
“Canadian participation in the Joint Strike Fighter
program will bring high-value jobs and other economic benefits to
our country,” said Jacques Gourde, Parliamentary Secretary to
the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and to the
Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for
Lotbinière-Chutes-de-la-Chaudière. “This
government is delivering on our plan to strengthen Canada’s
defence industry, leverage Canada’s competitive advantage and
work with industry to help position Canadian companies for success
in the global marketplace.”
The Government of Canada has committed approximately $9 billion
to the acquisition of 65 F-35 aircraft and associated weapons,
infrastructure, initial spares, training simulators, contingency
funds and project operating costs. Delivery of the new aircraft is
expected to start in 2016.
To date, Canada has invested approximately $168 million in the
Joint Strike Fighter program. Since 2002, the Government’s
participation in the program has led to more than $350 million in
contracts for more than 85 Canadian companies, research
laboratories, and universities – a clear demonstration of the
significant benefits this program has for Canada.
“The Joint Strike Fighter program allows Canadian
companies to build on existing strengths and establish strategic
capabilities,” said the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of
Industry. “Canadian companies will have direct involvement in
the design of equipment in the short term, while also setting in
motion opportunities for decades to come.”
The Canada First Defence Strategy identifies Canada’s need
for a next generation fighter aircraft to protect the safety and
security of Canadians, while supporting foreign policy and national
security objectives. The acquisition of the F-35 helps the Canadian
Forces defend against the threats of the 21st century at home,
across vast distances and in harsh environmental conditions, and
abroad.
As a partner in the Joint Strike Fighter program since 1997, Canada
participated in the extensive and rigorous US-led competitive
process, which led to the selection of Lockheed Martin and its
partners as the Joint Strike Fighter manufacturer in 2001.
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