The Government of Canada invests in training pilots CF-18

The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec member for Roberval-Lac-Saint-Jean, today announced on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Associate Minister of National Defence, Minister of State (Economic Development Agency of Canada Atlantic) (La Francophonie) and the member for Madawaska-Restigouche, the award of a major contract for support the training of fighter pilots in Canada.

The Government of Canada has provided $ 19.6 million contract with the company Global Select International Limited Laval (Quebec), who provide services related to the formation of CF-18 drivers and operating the simulator Armed Forces Commission (FCC) in the framework of advanced training system for remote combat.

"Our government remains committed to ensuring that a sufficient number of soldiers have the level of training required and that all required equipment is available, and for the training, but also for future operations in the context of new challenges that we will face, said Minister Lebel. Meanwhile, we are investing to stimulate the economy of communities and industries across Canada. '

"The Government of Canada is committed to the best training and the best equipment available for the Canadian Forces, at the most reasonable price for Canadians and maximizing the benefits for Canadian businesses and workers," said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women. "This training will help prepare men and women of the Royal Canadian Air Force in the important work they do both at home and abroad. '

The contract for the provision of training services help maintain at least 12 jobs in Bagotville, Quebec and Cold Lake, Alberta. The contract, awarded following a competitive procurement process, covering a period of five years and includes options to extend the term to 10 years.

In the project advanced training system for remote combat, CF-18 pilots are trained on the new version of the aircraft and its weapons systems. The system also reduces wear on the cell devices and operating costs of the fleet of CF-18s. This system allows drivers to perform operations that previously could not be learned in real combat situation, which improves the operational readiness of pilots in a much safer environment.