Backgrounder

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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Canadian Forces Station St. John's

October 21, 2010
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

The Government of Canada has awarded a $117-million contract to Bird Construction Inc. of Halifax, to replace 16 buildings located across the St. John's neighbourhood of Pleasantville. This will help the Canadian Forces to consolidate several station buildings into a single modern, multi-purpose facility, improving operations and ensuring greater efficiency. The Government of Canada conducted an open, fair, and transparent competitive process in awarding this construction contract.

The new four-story facility at CFS St. John's, which is scheduled to be completed by 2013, will be used to provide the training, operational and family resource support to military personnel stationed in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is estimated that more than 630 direct employment opportunities will be generated over the course of the project.

The new CFS St. John's facility will include:

• specialized operational training spaces
• offices and classrooms
• vehicle maintenance facilities
• special medical and dental facilities
• storage and quartermasters' facilities
• fitness facilities
• Military Family Resource Centre;
• galley and dining space
• messes for military personnel.

CFS St. John's plays a crucial role supporting the Canadian Navy personnel as they protect the sovereignty and security of Canada's Atlantic waters. It also supports land operations in the province and the training of the Royal Canadian Army, Sea and Air Cadets.

The consolidation of the facilities will give local military units the work environment needed to support efficient and streamlined operations.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PM kicks off construction on new Canadian Forces facility in St. John's

October 21, 2010
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today kicked off construction on a new multi-purpose facility at the Canadian Forces Station in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. The new facility is part of the Canada First Defence Strategy which is modernizing the Canadian Forces. This project will create local jobs and will improve conditions for Canadian Forces personnel working in St. John's.

"In building new facilities for Canadian Forces St. John's, we are creating jobs, sustaining long-term economic activity and, most importantly, supporting the work of our men and women in uniform," said Prime Minister Harper.

The Government will replace 16 buildings in St. John's with a single modern, multi-purpose facility. The new facility will provide enhanced training, operational and family resource support to military personnel stationed in the province. More than 630 direct jobs are expected to be created over the course of the project.

In making the announcement, Prime Minister Harper praised the impressive work done by the Canadian Forces to help the residents of Newfoundland rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Igor.

"In response to Hurricane Igor, we saw members of the Canadian Forces from this province standing shoulder-to-shoulder with colleagues from across the country, using their courage and expertise to help their own friends and neighbours in their hour of need," the Prime Minister added. "You did a great job; you earned the thanks of the people of this province and the admiration of all Canadians."

Under the Canada First Defence Strategy, the Government is providing stable and predictable defence funding in four key areas: personnel, equipment, readiness and infrastructure. The Government will increase the size of the Canadian Forces and replace the military's core capabilities, as well as provide unprecedented opportunities for Canadian industry in its reach for global excellence, by working together to modernize the Forces.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
[Note: You are receiving this e-mail for information only, and because you have subscribed to our distribution list. To modify your subscription or to have your name removed from the list, go to: (http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/subscribe.asp?login )]