WEBVTT 1 00:00:05.120 --> 00:00:32.359 Thank you for listening to Depiction's Media Radio. Welcome to Policy Rights to show 2 00:00:32.560 --> 00:01:07.280 about government policy and human rights. Welcome back to Policy and Rights here in 3 00:01:07.319 --> 00:01:15.040 Depictions Media Radio, I'm your host, Michael Cloggs. In Sudan, UM 4 00:01:15.319 --> 00:01:21.159 war has broken out, extreme violence. UM. There have been reports in 5 00:01:21.519 --> 00:01:30.359 some of the refugee camps, especially UM the well known Darfur that UM housing 6 00:01:30.400 --> 00:01:38.159 areas have been showered with with bullets as as the violence continues and people are 7 00:01:38.200 --> 00:01:45.480 are fleeing along with that UM. We're while we're going to hear in a 8 00:01:45.480 --> 00:01:53.439 few minutes from UM the Minister of Defense talking about UM upgrades to helicopters and 9 00:01:55.280 --> 00:02:04.879 also she's going to be asked questions about UM evacuation from Sudan. And just 10 00:02:05.000 --> 00:02:10.039 within a few hours there have been reports of mechanical failures to aircraft that UM 11 00:02:10.360 --> 00:02:20.080 that are on route to Canada from Sudan, UM that Turkish flights have been 12 00:02:20.120 --> 00:02:29.199 shot at, and there's just a lot of trouble of evacuating the Sudan and 13 00:02:29.360 --> 00:02:37.919 trying to get those who who went there on humanitarian efforts to get get people 14 00:02:38.000 --> 00:02:46.599 home safely. And while UM the civil unrest settles back down and humanitarian efforts 15 00:02:46.599 --> 00:02:53.520 can be can reconvene, but for now all just about all of the humanitarian 16 00:02:53.520 --> 00:03:01.919 efforts have been put on pause, and evacuations of aid work have uh have 17 00:03:02.159 --> 00:03:09.000 begun just a few days ago, and uh the Canadian flights UM have had 18 00:03:09.039 --> 00:03:16.919 trouble so far getting out and getting people to safety. UM. So we're 19 00:03:16.960 --> 00:03:23.879 gonna hear um from the Minister of Defense as she talks about in a press 20 00:03:23.960 --> 00:03:34.319 conference about upgrades to to helicopters and equipment for the US military, and how 21 00:03:35.280 --> 00:03:45.400 the Canadian military is uh doing the doing more than um then what is truly 22 00:03:45.520 --> 00:03:57.840 expected of them, and how the um the the military is achieving the things 23 00:03:57.840 --> 00:04:05.879 that they want and and as in need of equipment for peacekeeping operations. So 24 00:04:09.039 --> 00:04:14.759 we're going to hear from her. She's in Nova Scotia and she is talking 25 00:04:14.800 --> 00:04:30.480 about upgrades to Canada's nine on behalf of our entire Impero Space team and family 26 00:04:30.519 --> 00:04:32.720 here. It's a distinct pleasure for us to welcome you all to our Halifax 27 00:04:32.800 --> 00:04:38.839 Space Operating Unit. Our planned sequence for this morning's event will be as follows. 28 00:04:39.120 --> 00:04:42.959 First speaker will be mister David Gossen, President Impero Space and Defense. 29 00:04:43.319 --> 00:04:46.959 He'll have some opening comments and then introduce our Minister of National Defense, Minister 30 00:04:47.040 --> 00:04:51.199 an End Minister and Nan will have a statement and she'll be followed by mister 31 00:04:51.240 --> 00:04:56.920 Dominic Howe on behalf of Leonardo Helicopters, and our closing speaker will be mister 32 00:04:56.959 --> 00:05:01.600 Cody Boys MP. Following our speakers and as the last element of our event 33 00:05:01.680 --> 00:05:06.360 this morning, there'll be an opportunity for members of the media to ask questions, 34 00:05:06.759 --> 00:05:10.800 and so with that in mind, I'd respectfully asked all of you to 35 00:05:10.839 --> 00:05:15.279 hold your questions until our steam guests for our steam guests until their comments are 36 00:05:15.360 --> 00:05:18.879 complete. Thank you again and welcome. And with that, I'd like to 37 00:05:18.879 --> 00:05:23.720 ask mister David Gassin, President of IMP Aerospace in Defense, to address the 38 00:05:23.759 --> 00:05:38.439 gathering. Awesome get started. I'm sure you'll all know with this is a 39 00:05:38.439 --> 00:05:44.279 workable hangar. Typically there's lots of airplanes, lots of disassembled airplanes. That's 40 00:05:44.319 --> 00:05:47.519 what we do for a living. By to you and your team on fairly 41 00:05:47.519 --> 00:05:54.600 short notice for cleaning up the hangar and turning it into a beautiful showcase of 42 00:05:54.800 --> 00:05:59.279 two wonderful airplanes, showcasing the type of work we do. I appreciate all 43 00:05:59.319 --> 00:06:02.240 you've done in the last couple of days, and to everyone who was involved 44 00:06:02.279 --> 00:06:05.399 in setting up for this event. Heartfelt thank you to all of you. 45 00:06:06.759 --> 00:06:11.959 As Mike said, my name is David Gossin. I've been in the industry 46 00:06:12.000 --> 00:06:15.839 a long time, actually forty years. I started when i was thirteen and 47 00:06:16.000 --> 00:06:23.120 no laughing. I'm obviously passionate about the industry and passionate about what we do 48 00:06:23.160 --> 00:06:28.480 for a living and our role in supporting the Canadian Department of National Defense and 49 00:06:28.560 --> 00:06:34.279 our international customers. I've worked in the industry at many levels. I've worked 50 00:06:34.800 --> 00:06:41.560 from my early days in the contracts department up to becoming president of the organization. 51 00:06:41.720 --> 00:06:46.600 I'm a former chair of Air Industries Association of Canada. I'm still an 52 00:06:46.639 --> 00:06:50.240 active board member former board member of KATSIE. It's safe to say I'm very 53 00:06:50.240 --> 00:06:55.120 passionate about the industry and I've seen a lot of changes over the years and 54 00:06:56.160 --> 00:07:00.319 in the twilight of my career. The most important thing is to make sure 55 00:07:00.319 --> 00:07:05.720 the industry continues to grow and prosper, certainly in Nova Scotia and prosper across 56 00:07:05.759 --> 00:07:11.600 the country. Sovereignty of our fleets in Canada is critically important and I've spent 57 00:07:11.680 --> 00:07:16.920 my whole adult life ensuring we as a company have done everything we can to 58 00:07:17.120 --> 00:07:27.839 ensure we continue to support our principal customer. A bit about IMP We're a 59 00:07:27.839 --> 00:07:33.360 private company, and as private company you typically tend to be somewhat quiet, 60 00:07:33.480 --> 00:07:38.399 secretive. We don't put a lot of information out. A lot of people 61 00:07:38.439 --> 00:07:43.480 don't know what we do. We've been around for a long time. We've 62 00:07:43.519 --> 00:07:47.800 been in business as an industry in Nova Scotia since the early nineteen hundreds. 63 00:07:48.319 --> 00:07:55.360 We've been supporting aircraft plates, principally maritime airplanes. If you think about all 64 00:07:55.360 --> 00:08:01.439 the airplanes we've supported since the early nineteen hundreds or World War Two, we've 65 00:08:01.480 --> 00:08:05.319 supported all of the maritime patrol airplanes that Canada has had. You can go 66 00:08:05.360 --> 00:08:11.800 back to the days of the Lancaster, the Neptune, the Arragus and of 67 00:08:11.839 --> 00:08:18.480 course the latest and greatest CP one forty and we hope the next generation long 68 00:08:18.600 --> 00:08:26.399 range patrol airplane. So we have deep roots in the community as an industry. 69 00:08:26.759 --> 00:08:31.040 It's not by happenstance that we're in Nova Scotia. It was a strategic 70 00:08:31.120 --> 00:08:37.360 decision. Canada has had a longstanding policy where the work has been spread out 71 00:08:37.399 --> 00:08:43.080 across the country. We are strategically located on the east coast of Canada, 72 00:08:43.679 --> 00:08:52.159 located close to our main military wings, Greenwood and Shearwater. We're close to 73 00:08:52.200 --> 00:08:56.600 support the war efforts in Europe. So maritime airplanes, if you go as 74 00:08:56.600 --> 00:09:01.840 far back in time as you want, traditionally been done on the East coast 75 00:09:01.879 --> 00:09:07.679 of Canada, fighters in Central Canada, and of course transports been traditionally done 76 00:09:07.720 --> 00:09:13.919 oh West. We are truly a center of excellence for mirrortime aircraft in the 77 00:09:13.960 --> 00:09:18.720 east coast of Nova Scotia. Now over and beyond what you see in this 78 00:09:18.960 --> 00:09:24.679 facility, we've got a six operating units at imp Impiero Space which Mike runs. 79 00:09:26.919 --> 00:09:35.919 It has ten hangars scattered across Burns Road, seventeen hundred employees scattered across 80 00:09:35.720 --> 00:09:41.720 Nova Scotia and Burns Road. We've got facilities in Hammond's Plains, Nova Scotia 81 00:09:41.720 --> 00:09:48.200 where we do electrical assemblies. That facility does some pretty unique stuff. It 82 00:09:48.200 --> 00:09:52.759 does a lot of design and development. When what's particularly interesting is they designed 83 00:09:52.759 --> 00:09:58.360 and built lots of space highness ry. They designed and built all the electrical 84 00:09:58.360 --> 00:10:03.440 assemblies for the International Base Station. They've done most of the electrical assemblies for 85 00:10:03.600 --> 00:10:07.799 the Radar SAT constellation, James Webb telescope. Kind of a hidden secret tucked 86 00:10:07.840 --> 00:10:13.200 away in Hamma's plane Nova Scotia. We've got an aerostructure's facility in Amerus Nova 87 00:10:13.200 --> 00:10:18.840 Scotia that does structural components and composites. They've been around since the early nineteen 88 00:10:18.919 --> 00:10:24.519 hundreds. They actually built airplanes to support the war effort. Pre remarkable history 89 00:10:24.559 --> 00:10:28.720 for that company. And of course we have the search and rescue program. 90 00:10:28.799 --> 00:10:33.519 That's what we're going to talk about, and the Minister will have a lot 91 00:10:33.559 --> 00:10:43.799 more to say about that in the coming minutes. Now, respect to the 92 00:10:43.840 --> 00:10:50.039 programs we support today for the Apartment of National Defense, we support the Snowbirds, 93 00:10:50.039 --> 00:10:54.679 the iconic Snowbirds. We do that in Trenton on the East Coast. 94 00:10:54.840 --> 00:11:00.960 We support the P three's, we support C one thirties, and of course 95 00:11:01.000 --> 00:11:05.559 we support the Cormorants and our West Coast operations. We support C one thirties. 96 00:11:05.759 --> 00:11:11.120 We're designated as one of only two heavy maintenance centers in the world for 97 00:11:11.279 --> 00:11:16.879 the C one thirty Jays. We're the only P three authorized Lockeed Martin's service 98 00:11:16.919 --> 00:11:22.600 center in the world. So we've got lots of designations. We've been fortunate. 99 00:11:22.639 --> 00:11:28.360 We've done lots of domestic work and lots of international work. What's important 100 00:11:28.399 --> 00:11:33.159 in our business is our work we do with our domestic governments, and I 101 00:11:33.200 --> 00:11:39.240 think i'd like to acknowledge that in front of the Minister and thank the Minister 102 00:11:39.360 --> 00:11:43.120 for the wonderful partnership we've had for many years. Minister, we've been very 103 00:11:43.120 --> 00:11:48.519 fortunate to support the Department of National Defense for many, many years, and 104 00:11:48.679 --> 00:11:54.120 all the success we've had domestically and internationally is because of the partnership we've had. 105 00:11:54.559 --> 00:11:58.720 Just on the other side of this wall, there's five US Navy Marine 106 00:11:58.720 --> 00:12:03.679 Corps one thirties. If we weren't supporting the Canadian Fleet of C one thirties, 107 00:12:03.720 --> 00:12:07.080 we would have never had an opportunity to do that work. And that 108 00:12:07.200 --> 00:12:11.039 story can be told with respect to the P three's and all the other fleets 109 00:12:11.039 --> 00:12:16.080 we've supported over the years. Our partnership is greatly appreciated and it's been an 110 00:12:16.159 --> 00:12:24.480 enduring partnership and we hope it goes on for many years to come. So 111 00:12:24.519 --> 00:12:30.600 what are we doing today? Briefly out of Mike's facility, our P three 112 00:12:30.679 --> 00:12:33.039 Aurora, As we know it in Canada. It's just gone through a significant 113 00:12:33.159 --> 00:12:39.759 midlife update. Looks great, lots of life in it. Transformed from a 114 00:12:39.840 --> 00:12:48.039 traditional wairplane to an ISSR command and control and a very modern aswairplane. We 115 00:12:48.120 --> 00:12:52.720 recognize one day it will be replaced, but today it's still providing Yeoman service 116 00:12:52.799 --> 00:12:58.559 Cormorants we continue to support. It's a fleet we're extremely proud of. It's 117 00:12:58.600 --> 00:13:03.279 a no fail platform. The nature of what that aircraft does on a daily 118 00:13:03.360 --> 00:13:11.000 basis is rescue people in distress. I think as an industry we have a 119 00:13:11.000 --> 00:13:16.399 gold standard. Our partnership with Leonardo has been for twenty three years. They've 120 00:13:16.440 --> 00:13:22.759 been a tremendous partner Dominic. We appreciate all your company does. I think 121 00:13:22.799 --> 00:13:26.600 we're extremely proud of the relationship and I think we can both say what we've 122 00:13:26.639 --> 00:13:33.399 accomplished here in Canada is the gold standard for Cormorant search and rescue. We 123 00:13:33.480 --> 00:13:37.519 have in Canada, the lowest cost of ownership, the highest availability. On 124 00:13:37.559 --> 00:13:43.519 a fleet of thirteen aircraft. We actually have over one hundred and ten thousand 125 00:13:43.559 --> 00:13:48.720 flight hours in twenty three years. That is remarkable and I won't say too 126 00:13:48.840 --> 00:13:52.000 much more about that because I know the Minister has some exciting news she's going 127 00:13:52.039 --> 00:13:56.559 to share with us, So in closing, I just want to take a 128 00:13:56.639 --> 00:14:03.240 moment and thank all the im payers. I've been fortunate in my career. 129 00:14:03.519 --> 00:14:09.360 I've worked with some pretty amazing people. The work you do every day is 130 00:14:09.399 --> 00:14:13.720 truly inspiring. If you look at our safety record, and if we look 131 00:14:13.720 --> 00:14:16.799 at the hundreds, if not thousands, of aircraft we've delivered over the years, 132 00:14:18.200 --> 00:14:22.519 our second our safety record is second to none. The quality of work 133 00:14:22.600 --> 00:14:26.240 you do is the envy of our competitors, and I know is very much 134 00:14:26.240 --> 00:14:31.039 appreciated by our principal customer, the Department of National Defense. I can't thank 135 00:14:31.080 --> 00:14:35.000 you enough. Every day. It's been a pleasure to come to work and 136 00:14:35.200 --> 00:14:41.799 and and I hope I'm not going anywhere in the short term. I hope 137 00:14:41.840 --> 00:14:45.960 I have the privilege to keep leading you. It's it's a wonderful team and 138 00:14:46.720 --> 00:14:50.960 I've had a remarkable thirty nine year career working with you all. Now that's 139 00:14:52.000 --> 00:14:56.440 probably more than enough for me. I think i'd like to stop now and 140 00:14:56.519 --> 00:15:03.799 maybe introduce the Minister one of ours. He's actually a very proud Nova Scotian. 141 00:15:05.039 --> 00:15:09.679 It's great Minister to have you come back and visit us. I know 142 00:15:09.759 --> 00:15:13.960 you've spent many years. You were born in Nova Scotia. You're one of 143 00:15:13.000 --> 00:15:16.919 your many degrees, it is from Dalhousie University. It is truly a pleasure 144 00:15:16.960 --> 00:15:22.799 to have you back in our facility. As an executive, I followed your 145 00:15:22.799 --> 00:15:28.919 career and I can tell you I'm extremely pleased and impressed with the way you 146 00:15:28.039 --> 00:15:33.360 represent the country. It's a very complicated and difficult world we live in. 147 00:15:33.440 --> 00:15:39.200 You're a wonderful ambassador for Canada. Extremely proud every time I see you representing 148 00:15:39.320 --> 00:15:43.919 us in the difficult times we face. The war in Ukraine is not easy 149 00:15:45.720 --> 00:15:50.879 on certainly the Ukrainians and certainly everybody who's supporting it. I'm proud of everything 150 00:15:50.919 --> 00:15:56.120 you're doing and our government's doing to support that effort. So Minister, I'll 151 00:15:56.159 --> 00:16:00.320 stop there and turn the mic over to you, and thanks for coming to 152 00:16:00.600 --> 00:16:25.200 shareless exciting news for us. Well, good morning everyone, Sata. Thank 153 00:16:25.200 --> 00:16:29.279 you so much, Dave, and it's a beautiful day to be back in 154 00:16:29.399 --> 00:16:34.200 Nova Scotia. Before we get to today's announcement, however, I would like 155 00:16:34.440 --> 00:16:41.600 to provide a quick update on Canada's efforts to evacuate its citizens from Sudan. 156 00:16:44.000 --> 00:16:53.200 I can confirm that a first Canadian evacuation flight from Sudan has taken place using 157 00:16:53.559 --> 00:17:00.919 an RCAF CC one thirty hercules aircraft. We will have more details to share 158 00:17:00.960 --> 00:17:07.640 soon. This is very good news and I thank our Canadian Armed Forces personnel 159 00:17:07.759 --> 00:17:18.559 for their hard work to make this happen. About Le poi sieur le d 160 00:17:18.759 --> 00:17:32.200 can adapt or Vaque City du Suda Comte came Premier Canadian Elie I led the 161 00:17:32.400 --> 00:17:45.559 NABA cis Saint rant de la Royal Canadien uz bianto apartagi me il sagi dun 162 00:17:45.680 --> 00:17:59.799 bonne nouvelle merci le personnel de farce areme Canadian pour leur travai a Charchney mac 163 00:18:00.119 --> 00:18:07.480 Ludi Scour, Ambassador Ferrari, friends from the British High Commission. Where are 164 00:18:07.519 --> 00:18:14.599 you there? You are Cody partners from Leonardo UK, Leonardo, Canada. 165 00:18:15.200 --> 00:18:22.000 I am Piero Space in defense Cae collins Ge. Good morning, bonjours. 166 00:18:22.599 --> 00:18:27.400 It's such a pleasure to be back in Nova Scotia. As Dave mentioned, 167 00:18:29.240 --> 00:18:33.880 I was born and raised in Nova Scotia. My parents immigrated here. My 168 00:18:33.039 --> 00:18:38.279 sisters and I grew up not far from here in kentfill Nova Scotia, and 169 00:18:38.839 --> 00:18:45.720 as a young girl, Nova Scotia was where my world started and ended from 170 00:18:45.799 --> 00:18:53.640 Halifax to Amherst, to Kentfiel to Yarmouth. Nova Scotia is home our country. 171 00:18:55.599 --> 00:19:02.920 Nova Scotia included, is blessed with eighteen million square kilometers of land and 172 00:19:03.039 --> 00:19:10.759 water, or so two hundred and forty three thousand kilometers of coastlines connecting these 173 00:19:10.839 --> 00:19:25.119 oceans. Montaigne escarpe fare dains condicion mitra legique artique. This vast terrain requires 174 00:19:25.640 --> 00:19:33.359 our military to work in challenging environments, and when Canadians are in danger from 175 00:19:33.440 --> 00:19:41.240 extreme weather conditions, stranded in remote areas, on steep mountain sides or alongside 176 00:19:41.799 --> 00:19:51.720 our coastlines, the ability to search and rescue becomes a necessity. Now. 177 00:19:51.839 --> 00:19:59.119 One of Canada's critical search and rescue assets is the one forty nine Cormorant helicopter, 178 00:20:00.400 --> 00:20:06.319 providing long range, weather resilient search and rescue capabilities. The helicopter can 179 00:20:06.400 --> 00:20:15.880 face and fight through the harshest Canadian terrain lascleute saint press e cule Canadian on 180 00:20:15.000 --> 00:20:27.799 Besoine jined vitale lusiage Saint carond neeff E Siluis Canouza palon an Emperquel Mooma an 181 00:20:27.839 --> 00:20:34.960 Emplentois. The fleet has been serving Canada since two thousand and one, but 182 00:20:36.160 --> 00:20:42.640 requires upgrades to remain operationally effective, and that is why we are investing in 183 00:20:44.000 --> 00:20:52.640 enhanced capabilities to ensure that our Canadian armed forces continue to have the tools and 184 00:20:53.160 --> 00:21:00.119 technology that they need to carry out their demanding work. Last December, I 185 00:21:00.279 --> 00:21:07.319 announced that our government has awarded two contracts to upgrade and extend the operational lifestyt 186 00:21:07.519 --> 00:21:15.039 than of our one forty nine Cormorant search and rescue helicopter fleet. With a 187 00:21:15.160 --> 00:21:22.640 one point one six eight billion dollar investment with Leonardo UK Limited, the fleet 188 00:21:22.720 --> 00:21:27.960 will be upgraded to the most advanced version of the helicopter and will acquire additional 189 00:21:29.039 --> 00:21:36.119 parts to increase its fleet size from thirteen to sixteen aircraft. Now today, 190 00:21:37.160 --> 00:21:45.279 we are taking another step forward with Leonarder's some contract partnership with IMP Aerospace and 191 00:21:45.400 --> 00:21:53.000 Defense to undertake the upgrade of thirteen in service one forty nine Cormorant search and 192 00:21:53.200 --> 00:22:08.599 rescue helicopters at the facility in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Under this subcontract, 193 00:22:08.759 --> 00:22:18.000 IMP will deliver thirteen of the sixteen upgraded Cormorants to Canada from its Halifax facilities. 194 00:22:18.039 --> 00:22:26.000 Leonardo a imp von Fournier des mise a Nivo technology. The points o 195 00:22:26.240 --> 00:22:34.920 Cormorant existence e per metran e galmin esque l'an samble de la flotte sois en 196 00:22:36.039 --> 00:22:44.240 comformite avec la versien la plus avancais de la ll coptare. The upgrades are 197 00:22:44.319 --> 00:22:52.279 going to include modernizing navigation communication, flight management, flight recorder and safety systems, 198 00:22:52.680 --> 00:23:03.440 improved sensor capability and in cabin wireless communications. Notre avestisment augment e galmin 199 00:23:03.279 --> 00:23:17.440 latai global de la detres assays le trois avience sub utilist pis de notre ventre 200 00:23:17.680 --> 00:23:27.480 actual telecles trans missions. Let's sage this is going to help reduce costs and 201 00:23:27.960 --> 00:23:36.240 ensure a prudent investment. And I firmly believe that national security and economic prosperity 202 00:23:36.440 --> 00:23:44.000 go hand in hand. Can news a vestisan defrance a ug mountain no capacity 203 00:23:44.720 --> 00:23:55.480 siletravare Canadian key on benefice. This investment is no different. The helicopter project 204 00:23:55.680 --> 00:24:03.440 has the potential to contribute almost seventy nine billion dollars annually. To our economy 205 00:24:03.799 --> 00:24:10.640 and six hundred and fifty jobs annually for Canadian companies over a twelve year period 206 00:24:11.359 --> 00:24:18.279 from Gander to Greenwood to Halifax. This project will create meaningful economic partnerships with 207 00:24:18.480 --> 00:24:26.440 communities across this great country. And this investment is a win for Canadian workers. 208 00:24:26.920 --> 00:24:33.400 It's a win for industry partnerships. With the partnerships between Leonardo IMP and 209 00:24:33.559 --> 00:24:40.240 our other industry partners, we are ensuring a renewed defense relationship for years to 210 00:24:40.400 --> 00:24:45.640 come. A date, as Dave mentioned, the first three helicopters will be 211 00:24:45.839 --> 00:24:52.400 completed at Leonardo's UK facilities. IMP personnel will undertake on the job training in 212 00:24:52.519 --> 00:24:59.759 the UK, and they'll come back to build the remaining thirteen helicopters right here 213 00:25:00.160 --> 00:25:06.480 on Canadian shores. This is effective industry partnership in action. This contract is 214 00:25:06.559 --> 00:25:14.079 going to create relationships between our workers, companies and our defense innovation ecosystems. 215 00:25:14.759 --> 00:25:19.039 And most importantly, this is a massive wind for the Royal Canadian Air Force, 216 00:25:19.759 --> 00:25:27.680 who will have enhanced technologically advanced capabilities to continue their work keeping us all 217 00:25:29.039 --> 00:25:38.960 safe. La stasion a lexpasien de notre flot pematran la erci de continue effectuisperracian 218 00:25:40.400 --> 00:25:48.000 rocherche a sauftache d'antute de contision met logique, the comaques a gander, a 219 00:25:48.160 --> 00:25:56.720 greenwood tutans ajutin capaciti de rocherche a sauftache to Canada a la witiam escatre Trenton. 220 00:25:59.319 --> 00:26:03.759 So, my friends, whether it is in dense forests, whether it 221 00:26:03.920 --> 00:26:10.759 is in remote mountains, whether it is in rough terrains, Canadians can count 222 00:26:11.200 --> 00:26:18.440 on our aviators in the new nine fleet to answer the call and get them 223 00:26:18.559 --> 00:26:26.519 to safety. Congratulations once again to Leonardo IMP Aerospace and Defense and to the 224 00:26:26.640 --> 00:26:51.119 Canadian Armed Forces. Thank you. Marcibokuts, good morning. I'm delighted to 225 00:26:51.200 --> 00:26:56.799 be here today on behalf of Leonardo in joining the honorable Minister and and remember 226 00:26:56.880 --> 00:27:03.799 Parliament voice, friends from the UK Government, Ambassador Ferrari and of course our 227 00:27:03.839 --> 00:27:10.039 team Corment partners. The Corment Midlife Upgrade PODIAT shall have either dedicated and brave 228 00:27:10.440 --> 00:27:15.400 Royal Canadian Air Force with a highly capable search and rescue helicopter that meets the 229 00:27:15.599 --> 00:27:22.880 all weather demands of the Canadian landscape in addition to the challenging rescue scenarios that 230 00:27:22.000 --> 00:27:26.920 they may face. The announcement made by the Department of National Defense in late 231 00:27:27.079 --> 00:27:33.319 December twenty twenty two towards Leonardo with the aw one O one one four nine 232 00:27:33.599 --> 00:27:40.119 Corment Midlife Upgrade, comprising sixteen helicopters in total, thirteen of which are the 233 00:27:40.200 --> 00:27:44.279 existing Corment Search and rescue helicopters that are in service a day being managed and 234 00:27:44.279 --> 00:27:48.759 supported by imp together of an augmentation of the further three aircraft. This is 235 00:27:48.799 --> 00:27:56.119 a most welcomed investment. Furthermore, the award of the Training Flight Simulator to 236 00:27:56.240 --> 00:28:00.400 CIE, which Leonardo is a subcontractor, is an important investment. This will 237 00:28:00.400 --> 00:28:08.720 allow an onshore capability training capability for the Royal Canadian Air Force. The CMLU 238 00:28:08.839 --> 00:28:15.160 contract will significantly enhance the aircraft systems and technologies, ensures compliance with the emergent 239 00:28:15.240 --> 00:28:21.519 airspace regulations, will extend the life expendency of the aircraft to twenty forty two 240 00:28:21.599 --> 00:28:26.960 and beyond, and importantly enable the return of the Corment helicopter fleet to Canadian 241 00:28:26.039 --> 00:28:34.319 Forces Base Trenton. The Corment Midlife Upgrade contract shall also introduce new technology and 242 00:28:34.440 --> 00:28:41.440 mission sensors, enabling the Royal Canadian Air Force to execute their missions with greater 243 00:28:41.559 --> 00:28:48.759 efficiency through less search and more rescue. Importantly, the Corment midlife upgrade projects 244 00:28:48.759 --> 00:28:53.400 should also be delivered without impacting the current Corement search and rescue capability that is 245 00:28:53.440 --> 00:29:00.960 present today. The AW one O one one four nine Comment fleet has provided 246 00:29:00.039 --> 00:29:06.039 reliable services to Canada since two thousand and one. During this time, the 247 00:29:06.119 --> 00:29:11.119 Corment helicopter and its brave crews as successfully completed bowers as of rescues, including 248 00:29:11.240 --> 00:29:18.400 several that have received international recognition as well as awards. Leonardo is very pleased 249 00:29:18.400 --> 00:29:22.279 that Corment has been trusted to provide the capabilities to ensure these rescues were possible 250 00:29:22.720 --> 00:29:29.000 in anywhere the condition anywhere in Canada, from coast to coast to coast and 251 00:29:29.200 --> 00:29:33.920 far offshore. Through this contract award between the Canadian Government and Leonardo, the 252 00:29:34.039 --> 00:29:38.200 current fleet would now be upgraded to the most advanced version of the helicopter. 253 00:29:41.200 --> 00:29:44.880 This could not have been possible though, without the dedication and support from our 254 00:29:44.920 --> 00:29:48.599 Quay partner, ip Aerospace and Defense, as well as other Team Comment partners 255 00:29:48.640 --> 00:29:56.640 ce G Canada and Colins Aerospace Canada all have come together together with additional Canadian 256 00:29:56.680 --> 00:30:04.440 suppliers to provide a robust search and rescue solution to Canada. Leonardo's really pleased 257 00:30:04.480 --> 00:30:10.440 to announce that has placed a subcontract onto IMP for the upgrade of thirteen of 258 00:30:10.519 --> 00:30:15.680 the Sixteenment Midlife Upgrade helicopters to be undertaken right here in Halifax, Nova Scotia. 259 00:30:18.240 --> 00:30:23.039 This includes the relevant program management, logistics, support engineering activities as well 260 00:30:23.119 --> 00:30:27.480 as the manufacture of electrical loom harnesses and the cument of Canadian supply equipment. 261 00:30:30.240 --> 00:30:36.720 Leonardo should be providing IMP with knowledge, transfer of training capability as well as 262 00:30:36.799 --> 00:30:42.160 intellectual property to allow the aircraft to be built here. The IMP Aerospace and 263 00:30:42.200 --> 00:30:49.160 Defense and Leonardo's long standing relationships shall continue for the foreseeable future. Together with 264 00:30:49.240 --> 00:30:56.799 a subcontract placed with IMP Aerospace and Defense, Leonardo shall be investing one of 265 00:30:56.880 --> 00:31:03.400 the Midlife Upgrade project contract value in Canada with other Canadian suppliers. This will 266 00:31:03.440 --> 00:31:10.440 include research and development, business, small medium businesses as well as academia. 267 00:31:11.400 --> 00:31:18.200 Leonardo is a committed partner of Canada and remains so who is continued investment into 268 00:31:18.240 --> 00:31:30.920 the future. Thank you very much. Well, let me just say this, 269 00:31:30.160 --> 00:31:33.519 what a hell of a day for Nova Scotia. We had great yep, 270 00:31:33.839 --> 00:31:41.319 absolutely my name is Scodie Bloys. I'm the Member of Parliament for King 271 00:31:41.440 --> 00:31:42.960 Sans and by the time you get down the line to me, you've heard 272 00:31:44.000 --> 00:31:47.680 all the technical details. So let me take this at a high level and 273 00:31:47.799 --> 00:31:49.759 we can talk about what this really means for our province and indeed for our 274 00:31:49.799 --> 00:31:53.720 country. But before I go too much further, let me recognize our distinguished 275 00:31:53.759 --> 00:31:56.680 guests who are in the room, certainly our friends from the United Kingdom and 276 00:31:57.000 --> 00:32:00.680 Italy. Welcome to Nova Scow. We hope you come back and next time 277 00:32:00.720 --> 00:32:04.279 you come back. Of course, we always love to have really good defense 278 00:32:04.319 --> 00:32:07.920 announcements. And look, I don't know if we can compete with Italian wine, 279 00:32:07.960 --> 00:32:10.119 but I would, ambassador, love to welcome you to King's Hands and 280 00:32:10.279 --> 00:32:13.960 you can come see some of the wines we have in the Annapolis Valley. 281 00:32:14.279 --> 00:32:16.039 The Minister and I are headed there actually this afternoon. I don't know if 282 00:32:16.039 --> 00:32:19.240 we're going to get into a bottle of wine, but I welcome you to 283 00:32:19.319 --> 00:32:27.119 come back anytime. Good look to our guests, to our minister, and 284 00:32:27.200 --> 00:32:31.559 it was well stated that Anita hails from Kentfell. We're really proud in King 285 00:32:31.640 --> 00:32:36.960 Sans the fact that we get to have someone from our backyard and only represent 286 00:32:37.440 --> 00:32:42.680 Oakville, not only represent Ontario, but represent Canada on the world stage. 287 00:32:42.720 --> 00:32:45.359 And on paper, yes, we have eleven members of Parliament in Nova Scotia, 288 00:32:45.960 --> 00:32:51.480 but in principle we have twelve because the way that Anita represents not only 289 00:32:51.519 --> 00:32:54.960 her own writing in Oakville, but represents this country and indeed does not forget 290 00:32:55.000 --> 00:32:58.400 where she comes from, which is right here in Nova Scotia. And that 291 00:32:58.559 --> 00:33:02.000 is evidenced by the work that we're doing here today to help make an investment 292 00:33:02.039 --> 00:33:06.519 that's going to make a difference for the Canadian Armed Forces, but it's going 293 00:33:06.559 --> 00:33:10.799 to be about the workers here in Nova Scotia. And if we've learned anything 294 00:33:12.079 --> 00:33:15.480 in the last year, it's about the importance of capacity. The Minister spoke 295 00:33:15.519 --> 00:33:20.079 about that, not just only in search and rescue, but also in the 296 00:33:20.160 --> 00:33:22.319 capacity for our Canadian Armed Forces to have the tools to make sure that we 297 00:33:22.359 --> 00:33:27.039 can defend our sovereignty and to be able to work with our allies. And 298 00:33:27.160 --> 00:33:29.680 I just want you to take a moment, all of us here in this 299 00:33:29.799 --> 00:33:34.400 room, just look around, look at the hangar. Look David, I 300 00:33:34.480 --> 00:33:37.799 haven't had the opportunity to be in here. I'm ashamed to say, and 301 00:33:37.880 --> 00:33:39.960 I only live fifteen minutes down the road, many Nova Scotians, indeed many 302 00:33:40.000 --> 00:33:44.200 Canadians, would not be able to see the amazing work that goes on. 303 00:33:44.359 --> 00:33:47.440 But look at the size and scope of what is being delivered here at imp 304 00:33:47.799 --> 00:33:52.640 here in Nova Scotia, and the Minister and I have had the opportunity to 305 00:33:52.680 --> 00:33:57.119 be at the shipyard at Irving Shipyard to see the work that is going on 306 00:33:57.319 --> 00:34:01.160 on the naval side of contracting and procurement defense Here in this country. It 307 00:34:01.400 --> 00:34:05.400 matters because in the last year it's taught us that we have to have that 308 00:34:05.519 --> 00:34:07.800 capacity at home. We have to be able to work with our allies in 309 00:34:07.960 --> 00:34:13.239 concert to make sure that we have an ability to respond to a change global 310 00:34:13.360 --> 00:34:15.760 environment, because that is, frankly, what has happened over the last year. 311 00:34:17.119 --> 00:34:22.159 Today's announcement on the search and rescue side is but one example of where 312 00:34:22.199 --> 00:34:25.719 the government is making those moves. Minister, We're proud of your leadership in 313 00:34:25.800 --> 00:34:30.199 Parliament. We're proud of your leadership on what is a very nuanced portfolio and 314 00:34:30.599 --> 00:34:35.880 the work that you're doing internationally with our allies and indeed here at home makes 315 00:34:35.880 --> 00:34:38.360 a difference and It makes a difference, not only because we're going to be 316 00:34:38.400 --> 00:34:44.119 making sure the tools are upgraded, but it protects important jobs here in Nova 317 00:34:44.119 --> 00:34:46.800 Scotia. And I've seen my buddy David Evans over there. We call him 318 00:34:46.840 --> 00:34:51.920 Taft down at Shooters baron Grill and Enfield. David's from the UK and we 319 00:34:52.000 --> 00:34:57.719 have a lot of UK influence here at the facility. You know, David 320 00:34:57.719 --> 00:35:00.440 and I have had an opportunity to talk about how he came from the UK, 321 00:35:00.880 --> 00:35:05.360 came from England, has built a life here in Nova Scotia, continues 322 00:35:05.400 --> 00:35:08.840 to put really important work into these types of aircraft that help make a difference 323 00:35:08.880 --> 00:35:13.159 for our personnel every day. So look, we've got a lot of folks 324 00:35:13.239 --> 00:35:15.599 here that are not necessarily from IMP. I want to give a big round 325 00:35:15.639 --> 00:35:19.719 of applause to the men and women who actually put the work in. I 326 00:35:19.800 --> 00:35:21.960 don't know how you do it, David, but I know you do it 327 00:35:22.039 --> 00:35:24.039 well and your team, so big round of applause, perhaps everyone for the 328 00:35:24.039 --> 00:35:32.719 folks air at IMP. I'm going to leave it at that. We've heard 329 00:35:32.840 --> 00:35:37.119 politicians go on sometimes too long. I used to joke with my predecessor, 330 00:35:37.159 --> 00:35:39.760 Scrap Bryce and that he if you couldn't get the microphone of that man's hand. 331 00:35:40.239 --> 00:35:45.079 But the key point here is this, we're upgrading infrastructure that makes a 332 00:35:45.159 --> 00:35:51.079 difference for our Canadian armed forces. We're making sure that those investments are supporting 333 00:35:51.159 --> 00:35:53.840 jobs here in Canada, here in Nova Scotia, and we're working with our 334 00:35:53.880 --> 00:35:59.480 international partners to make sure that we can share best practices in a changing worldview. 335 00:36:00.000 --> 00:36:02.519 It's a huge win for all of us here today Nova Scotia. Thank 336 00:36:02.559 --> 00:36:06.960 you minister, Thank you David and Dominic for your great work and to our 337 00:36:07.000 --> 00:36:16.639 workers. We can't do it without you. Thanks so much. And with 338 00:36:16.800 --> 00:36:20.800 that, UM, thank you. There'll be the opportunity for media to ask 339 00:36:20.880 --> 00:36:23.199 questions. I'll turn things over to h to Daniel, thank you very much. 340 00:36:23.400 --> 00:36:27.159 We'll now take questions from media. UM Emily in the back as a 341 00:36:27.239 --> 00:36:29.559 microphone. So if you would like to ask a question, please raise your 342 00:36:29.599 --> 00:36:35.400 hand UM on on a p punt because you're not gonna one. Do you 343 00:36:35.440 --> 00:36:42.480 have any questions? Good, good morning, minister, Good good morning, 344 00:36:42.480 --> 00:36:45.199 Minister Brett Ruskins, CBC News, thank you for being here for this announcement 345 00:36:45.239 --> 00:36:49.000 of votes about searches and rescues. There we go, Hello, Now you 346 00:36:49.039 --> 00:36:51.519 can hear me. Minister Brett Ruskin, CBC News, thank you for being 347 00:36:51.519 --> 00:36:54.239 here Vote and Search and Rescues. Hoping to ask you about a rescue underway 348 00:36:54.320 --> 00:36:59.320 right now that you mentioned earlier with this flight out of Sudan. Can you 349 00:36:59.360 --> 00:37:02.440 give us any more details about how many folks may have been on this flight, 350 00:37:02.679 --> 00:37:10.039 where it departed, from where it landed. As I mentioned, I 351 00:37:10.199 --> 00:37:21.320 can confirm that the first Canadian evacuation flight from Sudan has taken place using a 352 00:37:21.559 --> 00:37:27.199 Hercules aircraft and we have one of these right beside us here today. There 353 00:37:27.239 --> 00:37:32.239 will be more details to share soon. We are operating almost in real time 354 00:37:32.960 --> 00:37:37.519 and I want to make sure. We want to make sure that we have 355 00:37:37.639 --> 00:37:42.159 all the details in place. But make no mistake, this is very good 356 00:37:42.239 --> 00:37:49.159 news and it is very important to recognize the work of the Canadian Armed Forces 357 00:37:49.280 --> 00:37:55.199 personnel to make this happen. As you know, we had prepositioned to Hercules 358 00:37:55.519 --> 00:38:05.440 aircraft in the region yesterday anticipating that we would be able to bring Canadians out. 359 00:38:06.079 --> 00:38:10.280 We needed to make sure that conditions are safe and secure on the ground 360 00:38:10.360 --> 00:38:20.039 and that we had space on the airfield. That's actively occurring right now and 361 00:38:20.119 --> 00:38:25.119 will continue to occur, making sure that we have the conditions that are in 362 00:38:25.320 --> 00:38:32.840 place for not only the flight that I have mentioned, but additional evacuations that 363 00:38:34.159 --> 00:38:38.480 we are planning over the next number of days. There are a number of 364 00:38:38.599 --> 00:38:46.480 challenges on the ground given the very volatile situation in Sudan, and it is 365 00:38:46.559 --> 00:38:51.559 for that reason that we're not only working very hard as a country in terms 366 00:38:51.599 --> 00:38:57.760 of the Canadian Armed Forces, in terms of global affairs Canada in contacting Canadians, 367 00:38:58.000 --> 00:39:01.639 for example, but we're also working very hard with our allies and our 368 00:39:01.719 --> 00:39:13.360 partners, and we have seen the ability for that relationship to continue to allow 369 00:39:13.400 --> 00:39:19.679 the extraction of Canadians, first our diplomats and now over one hundred and eighty 370 00:39:19.960 --> 00:39:24.280 Canadians evacuated overall. This is an ongoing process and will continue to share details 371 00:39:24.320 --> 00:39:29.039 as we have them. Thank you, follow up question and before that, 372 00:39:29.159 --> 00:39:30.360 if you'd like to, if you'd like to give some of those comments. 373 00:39:30.400 --> 00:39:50.239 As for our French colleagues, le Fars Maknadian solar naval around so it will 374 00:39:50.280 --> 00:40:00.440 see de Saint clans ec Pavoi, well see a lugu vermin. You can 375 00:40:01.920 --> 00:40:15.800 entravai on La barracan Que nosalier a partner poor planify a pro de masur the 376 00:40:16.000 --> 00:40:30.440 security, the personnel, the Canadian don't lagan, don't no proven partage que 377 00:40:32.320 --> 00:40:46.639 premier val de lieu news alone avoir plutile poor partage may smamm large premier val 378 00:40:49.239 --> 00:40:57.400 just part news dont le jour and just from my follow up. Thank you 379 00:40:57.440 --> 00:41:00.519 very much for English and French. But I know it's day by day and 380 00:41:00.559 --> 00:41:05.280 you mentioned there might be other flights. There's been previously the talk that after 381 00:41:05.400 --> 00:41:07.760 this week flights might be more difficult, we won't be able to get flights 382 00:41:07.800 --> 00:41:12.880 out. How much of a deadline at this point is this week for flights 383 00:41:13.039 --> 00:41:17.920 and for Canadians to get out? Thank you. So we are continuing to 384 00:41:19.079 --> 00:41:23.800 work given the volatile situation, and we're working as quickly as possible as I'm 385 00:41:23.800 --> 00:41:30.320 sure you have seen and can see today to ensure the evacuation of as many 386 00:41:30.400 --> 00:41:37.960 Canadians as possible, as soon as possible. We have Canadian Armed Forces Strategic 387 00:41:37.000 --> 00:41:45.159 Advisory Team as well as military liaison officers deployed to Djibouti to support the evacuation 388 00:41:45.239 --> 00:41:52.800 of Canadian based personnel from the Canadian embassy, as well as to coordinate with 389 00:41:52.199 --> 00:42:01.159 our allies about continued evacuations for a non combatant evacuation operation. That first flight 390 00:42:01.760 --> 00:42:10.840 of the Canadian Armed Forces that has now left Sudan is an example of the 391 00:42:12.000 --> 00:42:16.000 planning that has been going on behind the scenes over the past number of days. 392 00:42:16.599 --> 00:42:21.079 And as I mentioned, we have two hundred half deployed to the region 393 00:42:21.159 --> 00:42:25.079 to assist with this line of effort and to continue supporting Canadians. And I 394 00:42:25.199 --> 00:42:34.320 want to stress that we are pursuing all options. The situation is extremely dangerous 395 00:42:34.400 --> 00:42:40.719 in Sudan and key civilian infrastructure is necessary for any evacuation of non combatants. 396 00:42:42.639 --> 00:42:50.920 In this situation, the power the communication are intermittent, food and water shortages 397 00:42:51.039 --> 00:42:57.639 are widespread, and so it requires our Canadian Armed Forces planners to consider all 398 00:42:57.760 --> 00:43:04.599 options for evacuation other than by aircraft. All these, although these may pose 399 00:43:04.960 --> 00:43:12.199 additional risks. The majority of Canadian citizens are in the capital and movements by 400 00:43:12.320 --> 00:43:19.559 ground or by sea significantly increase the time during which they would be exposed to 401 00:43:19.800 --> 00:43:27.639 risk. Nevertheless, we do have HMCS Montreal and asked her US previously deployed 402 00:43:27.679 --> 00:43:31.920 on op Projection in the vicinity ready to assist. So, as I said, 403 00:43:32.320 --> 00:43:37.480 all options are on the table. Planning is occurring as we speak to 404 00:43:37.760 --> 00:43:42.920 ensure the maximum number of Canadians can be evacuated as soon as possible. And 405 00:43:43.400 --> 00:43:45.559 I'll leave it at that, Thank you. Thanks, We'll go to the 406 00:43:45.599 --> 00:44:08.119 next question. We bonsieur louis du complexity merci poor poor, lacson Citi situation 407 00:44:09.159 --> 00:44:21.559 extreme, Mama volatile a insist de la situation evil rapidma don't lextracition on truth 408 00:44:21.760 --> 00:44:32.719 security, Canadian necessity in clentification, delegent de la parte de arme Canadian in 409 00:44:32.880 --> 00:44:45.000 coordination. It was a vege list repelli let vae nufas magna vas vague la 410 00:44:45.079 --> 00:44:58.199 fermntial a vegu nos ali a partner judique le Canadians extrememo bia connected de la 411 00:44:58.280 --> 00:45:13.280 region von do so solder the Canadian met no, i'll sola poor ape le 412 00:45:14.760 --> 00:45:31.679 the Canadian Canadian acc nosier a partner the cid Saint franc la la a lo 413 00:45:31.880 --> 00:45:47.360 Canada continue the fra necessary poor, evacuate, no situa penal Manque News examine 414 00:45:47.400 --> 00:46:08.320 now to less obsition necessary le May News examin Discuton daughter option calls the voti 415 00:46:08.880 --> 00:47:00.519 sur le don new continuant the bull premier jasper continuing the Monte no capacity at 416 00:47:00.719 --> 00:47:21.280 la chas zavan signi contract lockied Martin par example lean contra rexample lad the Montre 417 00:47:21.440 --> 00:47:35.480 de Montre not proactive, poor, Monte no capacity passal mont arianne mayo, 418 00:47:35.599 --> 00:47:52.199 se c o, donk citting processes may communist la deference nacional continue the poor, 419 00:47:53.840 --> 00:48:07.360 not porssuri qu nouza von capacity necessary lender operability a vegnos alie la capacity 420 00:48:07.599 --> 00:48:22.519 poor, futage la capacity poor valier dollar mound, for example, on letni 421 00:48:23.239 --> 00:48:36.960 on Africa, may say ting processes on what travel travaile keep the defense kiptender 422 00:48:37.079 --> 00:48:58.320 cc new continuant travai assemble chaqasandos Chambre said sal the first are making dan les 423 00:48:59.480 --> 00:49:05.960 don't z may or see the land a stripper, continuity, the contribute, 424 00:49:06.599 --> 00:49:17.079 the not economy ivecti zenploi les avantage, economic potrope and wello. Next question, 425 00:49:20.599 --> 00:49:24.760 Good morning, Minister Francis Campbell with the Chronicle Herald. So in November 426 00:49:25.800 --> 00:49:32.320 you announced a new NATO Defense Innovation Accelerator Office to be located in the Health 427 00:49:32.400 --> 00:49:37.280 ex Regional municipality. I was just wondering if you had any updates on that 428 00:49:37.480 --> 00:49:44.119 in particular site where it might be located. Well, thank you for the 429 00:49:44.239 --> 00:49:49.719 question, Francis. For the benefit of everybody in the room. The question 430 00:49:49.840 --> 00:49:59.239 relates to a defense and Innovative Innovative Accelerator initiative that NATO is launching and that 431 00:49:59.440 --> 00:50:05.599 Canada is hosting. And in November, when I was in Nova Scotia, 432 00:50:06.440 --> 00:50:16.119 I announced that this province would host the Defense and Innovation Accelerator for NATO, 433 00:50:16.920 --> 00:50:22.559 and there are others in the world. The UK and Estonia are partnering on 434 00:50:22.719 --> 00:50:32.760 another such defense and Innovation center and so the work to ensure the specifics and 435 00:50:32.840 --> 00:50:42.280 the details relating to this defense and Innovation center is ongoing. We are in 436 00:50:42.360 --> 00:50:50.880 close coordination with NATO to finalize the work that needs to be done to establish 437 00:50:51.360 --> 00:50:57.679 this center. But make no mistake, Canada is committed and has committed to 438 00:50:57.880 --> 00:51:01.920 ensuring that this center gets up and un We have another such center on climate 439 00:51:02.039 --> 00:51:07.679 change in security that is going to be established in Montreal and that is also 440 00:51:08.079 --> 00:51:13.440 a NATO Center of Excellence. So, as you can see, Canada is 441 00:51:13.559 --> 00:51:17.280 very closely tied with NATO on the establishment of these centers. We are founding 442 00:51:17.360 --> 00:51:22.119 member of NATO, and we'll continue to do work on the ground to reiterate 443 00:51:22.239 --> 00:51:28.159 that commitment here in Nova Scotia with the Defense and Innovation Center, and of 444 00:51:28.239 --> 00:51:31.519 course in Montreal with a Climate Change in Security Center. Thank you, thank 445 00:51:31.599 --> 00:51:38.280 you, Thanks everybody. Okay, we'll take We'll take one final question and 446 00:51:38.320 --> 00:51:42.760 then hi, thank you for fitting me in. Jonathan Ginn a CTV News. 447 00:51:43.559 --> 00:51:45.000 What can you tell us about the value of this contract to IMP and 448 00:51:45.360 --> 00:51:50.440 what it might mean in terms of maintaining or potentially adding to the workforce here. 449 00:51:52.159 --> 00:51:55.239 Okay, I'll offer some preliminary comments and then maybe asked Dave if he 450 00:51:55.320 --> 00:52:04.199 wants to add anything that I probably missed. So, the work that IMP 451 00:52:04.519 --> 00:52:15.440 does for the construction and maintenance of defense equipment for our country is extremely important, 452 00:52:15.960 --> 00:52:25.719 and the significance of the subcontract that we are here to announce today is 453 00:52:27.239 --> 00:52:32.480 part and parcel of that work that IMP has shown over the years that they 454 00:52:32.599 --> 00:52:42.480 are capable of performing. The subcontract award is going to ensure that IMP is 455 00:52:42.599 --> 00:52:49.400 front and center in terms of the upgrade of the Cormorants. Thirteen of the 456 00:52:49.599 --> 00:52:57.840 sixteen cormorants are going to be constructed and built right here at the Halifax facilities, 457 00:52:58.840 --> 00:53:07.400 and as I mentioned, it's significant not just for the capabilities of the 458 00:53:07.519 --> 00:53:15.119 Canadian Armed Forces, especially in terms of search and rescue, but it's also 459 00:53:15.280 --> 00:53:24.679 important because of the economic contributions seventy nine million dollars annually to Canadian GDP and 460 00:53:25.199 --> 00:53:32.360 supporting six hundred and fifty jobs annually for Canadian companies over a twelve year period. 461 00:53:34.000 --> 00:53:40.719 What this does is demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that national security and economic 462 00:53:40.960 --> 00:53:51.039 prosperity go hand in hand. That is something that we can not underestimate. 463 00:53:51.639 --> 00:53:59.400 We have to recognize that as we continue to invest in defense and security, 464 00:54:00.119 --> 00:54:06.599 whether it is in terms of the increase by seventy percent under our current defense 465 00:54:06.719 --> 00:54:10.159 policy, Strong, certain, Secure and Engage, whether it's as a result 466 00:54:10.239 --> 00:54:15.639 of the eight billion dollars in addition to that increase in budget twenty twenty two, 467 00:54:16.360 --> 00:54:21.559 whether it is because of the thirty eight point six billion dollars that we're 468 00:54:21.599 --> 00:54:29.159 investing in nor AD modernization. All of that enveloped funding is important for the 469 00:54:29.360 --> 00:54:34.159 capacities and the capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces and the defense and security of 470 00:54:34.239 --> 00:54:40.079 our country. But it's also important because it means that economic benefits will accrue 471 00:54:40.280 --> 00:54:45.440 to industry in this country also, and we need to make sure that we 472 00:54:45.559 --> 00:54:54.400 recognize the benefits of our work in defense to the broader Canadian economy. And 473 00:54:54.639 --> 00:55:00.960 so this is an example today, This announcement today is an example of just 474 00:55:00.320 --> 00:55:07.639 that principle that national security and economic prosperity go hand in hand, and that 475 00:55:07.000 --> 00:55:15.000 we will see those economics benefits play out right here at IMP and in the 476 00:55:15.079 --> 00:55:25.679 broader Canadian economy. Hello, Minister, I wonder sorry, I guess just 477 00:55:25.760 --> 00:55:30.599 to follow up the second half of your question. I think the Minister answered 478 00:55:30.639 --> 00:55:36.880 it quite well. As an IMP executive, this is an important win for 479 00:55:37.039 --> 00:55:42.039 US. It's a strategic win. First and foremost, it will create hundreds 480 00:55:42.079 --> 00:55:47.719 of jobs. That's always important. Secondly, it increases our technology base. 481 00:55:49.039 --> 00:55:53.119 We are now moving up the supply chain Leonardo. In partnership with Leonardo, 482 00:55:53.280 --> 00:55:58.480 they will work closely with us. We will send technicians, engineers to the 483 00:55:58.639 --> 00:56:02.320 UK. There will be embedded in Leonardo's facility. They will bring home that 484 00:56:02.599 --> 00:56:07.960 know how and they'll position us for future work. What's also important is not 485 00:56:08.159 --> 00:56:15.159 just the eight year program where we're going to essentially build eight pard Me thirteen 486 00:56:15.360 --> 00:56:20.679 new helicopters, it positions us to support the fleet for the next twenty five 487 00:56:20.800 --> 00:56:25.159 years. We will essentially become the subject matter expert on the new fleet. 488 00:56:28.039 --> 00:56:32.599 That can't be emphasized enough. When I was chair of AIIC, we always 489 00:56:32.679 --> 00:56:38.960 encourage the government when they make these generational investments. It's critically important that we 490 00:56:39.079 --> 00:56:44.800 get economic value up from those investments. And as Minister and Anne said, 491 00:56:45.239 --> 00:56:50.639 this investment Canada is made in search and rescue. It's a great new story. 492 00:56:50.800 --> 00:56:53.239 It's a great new story for the Royal Canadian Air Force. They're going 493 00:56:53.280 --> 00:56:59.960 to get the latest generation search and rescue world class helicopter. It will create 494 00:57:00.119 --> 00:57:04.880 a wonderful work for IMP and it will position us for more international work and 495 00:57:05.000 --> 00:57:07.719 to continue to support the fleet for the next twenty five years. And it's 496 00:57:07.719 --> 00:57:13.320 a great investment for the taxpayers. When I was a i C chair, 497 00:57:13.559 --> 00:57:16.119 those are the investments that we very much like to see. So now I 498 00:57:16.239 --> 00:57:25.360 think Minister an n in the Canadian government for you continuing to make effective investments 499 00:57:25.480 --> 00:57:30.400 to upgrade our capacity and country, because it's not just about spending money and 500 00:57:30.480 --> 00:57:34.840 industry. Of course, we've got a service the Royal Canadian Air Force, 501 00:57:35.119 --> 00:57:38.159 but to take that investment and create economic value for US as an Asian and 502 00:57:38.840 --> 00:57:45.079 I believe this investment very much does that. Thanks, and we'll just take 503 00:57:45.119 --> 00:57:50.440 one final follow up question for we wrappings up, Hi, minister, it's 504 00:57:55.320 --> 00:57:58.960 it's for the minister. It's a Keith you said from the Canadian press, 505 00:58:00.039 --> 00:58:05.159 good news announcement today. We know what you're intending to do with the forces. 506 00:58:05.199 --> 00:58:07.760 But we were told by the Canadian forces yesterday they were so they were 507 00:58:07.800 --> 00:58:12.320 spread so thin that they had planes in the Arctic, Okinawa and elsewhere. 508 00:58:12.960 --> 00:58:15.360 And when the US started doing airlifts in Khartoum. So what does it say 509 00:58:15.400 --> 00:58:20.519 about our current spending if countries like Jordan and Turkey can get planes moving to 510 00:58:20.599 --> 00:58:28.119 Sudan evacuations before weekend? Okay, well, thank you for the question. 511 00:58:28.159 --> 00:58:34.679 Although I could barely hear you, so um, I appreciate the question. 512 00:58:35.840 --> 00:58:43.400 So what we need to do with Canadian Armed Forces assets? When there is 513 00:58:44.679 --> 00:58:52.239 need, we deploy the assets in that particular region. So let me take 514 00:58:52.400 --> 00:58:59.639 an example of aid to Ukraine. We have over the past many months ahead 515 00:59:00.320 --> 00:59:07.039 three CC one thirties in Preswick, Scotland, and those aircraft have been lifting 516 00:59:09.199 --> 00:59:15.519 military aid and equipment on behalf of all of our allies in support of the 517 00:59:15.719 --> 00:59:22.559 unjust war in Ukraine, and those three aircraft have delivered over eight million pounds 518 00:59:22.719 --> 00:59:30.840 of military eight. That is effective work that our Canadian arned forces are undertaking 519 00:59:31.800 --> 00:59:42.239 with incredibly important capabilities. When this crisis broke out in Sudan, we made 520 00:59:42.280 --> 00:59:47.320 a decision to deploy two of those CC one thirties to the region so that 521 00:59:47.480 --> 00:59:53.000 we can respond to the needs on the ground. And what we are doing 522 00:59:53.320 --> 00:59:59.280 is working in lockstep with our allies at all times. And we're able as 523 00:59:59.320 --> 01:00:02.559 a result of our work with our allies to extract our diplomats as soon as 524 01:00:02.639 --> 01:00:07.599 possible. And now over one hundred and eighty Canadians and now we have a 525 01:00:07.679 --> 01:00:14.559 first flight that has left Sudan with capabilities on the ground in terms of the 526 01:00:14.639 --> 01:00:22.400 two CC one thirties as well as two ships in the harbor in that region. 527 01:00:23.119 --> 01:00:30.320 So in any countries inventory, there is a need to place assets where 528 01:00:30.440 --> 01:00:35.599 the needs are the greatest, and that's exactly what we are doing. In 529 01:00:35.840 --> 01:00:45.679 terms of our overall resources. We are continuing to do the work necessary to 530 01:00:45.920 --> 01:00:51.960 create a Canadian armed forces that is robust in terms of personnel as well as 531 01:00:52.079 --> 01:01:01.039 military equipment that is enduring. And that's why you saw the announcement finalized for 532 01:01:01.280 --> 01:01:07.840 eighty eight f thirty fives for the Royal Canadian Air Force. That's why you 533 01:01:07.039 --> 01:01:14.679 have seen a thirty eight point six billion dollar investment in Norad modernization and continental 534 01:01:14.800 --> 01:01:23.039 defense, with nineteen projects specifically identified on the website of the Department of National 535 01:01:23.159 --> 01:01:30.599 Defense so that the Canadian population can see where we are doing our building. 536 01:01:30.480 --> 01:01:39.360 So rather than focusing on the fact that defense spending dipped below one percent under 537 01:01:39.400 --> 01:01:45.199 the last government, we choose to focus on the work that we need to 538 01:01:45.320 --> 01:01:52.760 do every single day to continue to allocate the funding that has been granted under 539 01:01:52.920 --> 01:02:00.800 various envelopes to the projects necessary to build up the Canadian Armed Forces capabilities as 540 01:02:00.880 --> 01:02:09.320 well as to respond okapasible to emerging global situations. And before we came into 541 01:02:09.400 --> 01:02:15.679 this room, someone said to me, Canada is punching above its weight. 542 01:02:15.599 --> 01:02:21.519 And that's exactly what is happening. Whether we're talking about NATO's Eastern Flank, 543 01:02:21.960 --> 01:02:28.239 where we have eleven hundred Canadian Armed Forces deployed and where we have our largest 544 01:02:28.280 --> 01:02:32.239 international operation, whether we're talking about aid to Ukraine, where we've put on 545 01:02:32.320 --> 01:02:37.119 the table over one billion dollars and we are a leading donor amongst the G 546 01:02:37.320 --> 01:02:44.400 seven countries and eight billion dollars to Ukraine overall. Or whether we're talking about 547 01:02:44.679 --> 01:02:50.280 continued coordination in building up continental defense, there's work to do, but make 548 01:02:50.360 --> 01:03:00.760 no mistake, we are doing that work. Okay, So we heard from 549 01:03:01.400 --> 01:03:08.920 what then the Minister of Defense for Canada hads to say and in a brief 550 01:03:09.000 --> 01:03:17.039 statement from the United Nations, they're saying that thousands of people um Sudaneds, 551 01:03:19.079 --> 01:03:25.960 including many internally placed people in refugees in Sudan, have fled the country and 552 01:03:27.320 --> 01:03:39.519 the un HCR spokesperson said in Chad together the government has registered around five thousand 553 01:03:39.800 --> 01:03:51.800 arrivals so far and at least twenty twenty thousand people have crossed the border from 554 01:03:51.920 --> 01:04:00.199 Sudan into Chad. So uh, there's mass fling as as violence escalates in 555 01:04:00.400 --> 01:04:08.199 Sudan over well, what has been political unrest for quite some time now. 556 01:04:08.679 --> 01:04:12.639 So thank you for listening to policy and rights here in Depictions Media Radio and 557 01:04:14.039 --> 01:04:18.400 I have been your host, Michael Clogs and please click that subscribe button wherever 558 01:04:18.559 --> 01:05:11.519 you may see it. The show has been produced by Depictions Media. Please 559 01:05:11.639 --> 01:05:15.039 contact us at depictions dot media for more information.