GATINEAU, Quebec, April 8 (UPI) -- The Canadian government is seeking to procure light helicopters for the Canadian Coast Guard and has issued a Request for Proposals.
The request was issued on behalf of the Coast Guard by Public Works and Government Services.
The government aims obtain as many as 16 helicopters initially, with a possibility of four more through a contract option. The aircraft would be used on missions such as ice reconnaissance; maintenance and construction of aids to navigation and telecommunications equipment; personnel and cargo transfer between ship and shore; and support to science and fisheries enforcement.
"Our government is committed to ensuring that the Canadian Coast Guard has the equipment they need to do the work we ask of them, while supporting Canadian jobs and economic growth, said Minister of Public Works and Government Services Rona Ambrose. "This marks an important step in the acquisition of new helicopters, which are equipment of great importance for the Canadian Coast Guard.
"Renewing the fleet of helicopters will improve the Canadian Coast Guard's air support capability from coast to coast to coast."
