Has Donated Ten Aircraft To Educational Institutions Overall

The Government of Canada is supporting the development of well-trained, skilled personnel to serve the aerospace industry of the future, by donating surplus Coast Guard assets to colleges and universities across Canada. These donations are helping to support aircraft maintenance training in Canada, providing practical and hands-on experience to students.  

On behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Member of Parliament for Ottawa West-Nepean, Anita Vandenbeld, and Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier, Mona Fortier announced today that Algonquin College has received a Coast Guard Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm BO105 helicopter. Nine other educational training institutions located across Canada have also received a donated BO105 helicopter.

"The BO105 helicopter donated by the Canadian Coast Guard has been instrumental to the success of the Aircraft Maintenance Technician program at Algonquin College. The helicopter is being used extensively by the students during the practical phase of training, which mirrors the tasks the graduates will be performing following graduation. Algonquin College is truly appreciative of the Canadian Coast Guard's donation," said Cheryl Jensen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Algonquin College.

The ten Coast Guard BO105 helicopters were in service in the Canadian Coast Guard for more than 30 years. The first BO105 helicopter was purchased by Coast Guard in April 1985, and the last unit was purchased in April of 1988. The helicopter fleet plays an essential part in supporting programs such as icebreaking, marine communication, aids to navigation, environmental response, waterway protection, conservation and protection, science and support to other government departments as required.

"I am proud that these Coast Guard helicopters will help develop students across the country allowing them to have practical and hands-on experience. These assets have a lot of history and are part of the Coast Guard's heritage. I am glad that they will benefit the generations to come in building high-level aircraft maintenance expertise," said the Honorable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

As part of the Coast Guard's Fleet Renewal Plan, the Government of Canada has purchased and deployed 22 new helicopters – 15 light-lift helicopters (Bell Epi 429) and seven medium-lift helicopters (Bell Epi 412).

(Source: Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada. Image from file)

FMI: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca