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Backgrounder

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

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New helicopter facility at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt

February 22, 2011
Sidney, British Columbia

In keeping with goals set out in the Canada First Defence Strategy, the Harper Government is committed to providing the hard-working men and women of the Canadian Forces with the tools and equipment they need to take on the challenges of the 21^st century.

The new helicopter facility, valued at approximately $155 million dollars, will serve the needs of the 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt. This new facility will replace the existing hangar which is now more than 60 years old. It will house the nine new CH-148 Cyclone helicopters that are expected to arrive in the spring of 2014.

Given the requirement for more space and an appropriate fire-suppression system for the new helicopters, it will be more cost effective to build a new facility, rather than renovate and expand the current hangar, which is now more than 60 years old.

The project will consolidate all squadron operations and support functions into a single 19,668 m² facility – housing nine CH-148 Cyclone helicopters, accommodating all operational and maintenance support spaces and equipment, as well as 350 personnel.

In addition to the new building, the project also includes the construction of an exterior aircraft apron capable of parking up to five Cyclone helicopters, a taxiway linking the parking apron to the runway, an aircraft wash area and re-fuelling cabinet, a parking area for up to 300 vehicles, a guard house with security barriers, and a perimeter security fence. The project will also involve the demolition of at least one existing building.

The infrastructure is required to be in place and operational in time for the delivery of the nine Cyclone helicopters scheduled to arrive in the spring of 2014. The Department of National Defence (DND) is aiming to complete construction by the winter of 2014.

DND holds a large number of properties across the country to support the Canadian Forces – including approximately 21,000 buildings, 2.25 million hectares of land, 5,500 km of roads, and 3,000 km of water, storm, and sewer pipes.

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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 announces new Canadian Forces helicopter facility near Victoria

February 22, 2011
Sidney, British Columbia

Prime Minister Stephen Harper, accompanied by Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, today announced that the Harper Government will be building a new helicopter facility at Patricia Bay, near Victoria, British Columbia to further strengthen Canada's West Coast defences.

"This facility and the new Cyclone helicopters it will house are part of providing the Canadian Forces with the people, equipment and support they need to get the job done," said Prime Minister Harper "It is a solid investment in the future of naval aviation in Canada."

The Canada First Defence Strategy is providing our hard-working men and women in uniform with the tools needed to meet the challenges of the 21^st century. This project, which is part of our Government's Strategy, is expected to generate more than 800 jobs over the full construction period.

Part of Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, the project includes a new 20,000 square-meter facility that will consolidate the operations and support functions of the 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron into one building. It is anticipated that the facility will be completed in the winter prior to the arrival of nine new CH-148 Cyclone Helicopters in the spring of 2014. The Cyclones will replace the aging CH-124 Sea King Fleet, which are currently in use.

Infrastructure improvements at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt – the home of the Pacific Fleet, and approximately 4,000 military and 2,000 civilian personnel – are continuing to generate economic benefits and significant employment opportunities.

The Harper Government will conduct open, fair, and transparent competition processes to award the contracts associated with this project at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt.

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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 highlights progress at Economic Action Plan-funded Sportsplex

Canada's Economic Action Plan

February 22, 2011
Langford, British Columbia

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today highlighted the progress of construction at the City Centre Park Sportsplex in Langford. He was accompanied by Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport).

"Our Government is committed to promoting sports and physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle for all Canadians," said Prime Minister Harper. "The City Centre Park Sportsplex project is one of hundreds of sports and recreation initiatives being funded across the country by our Economic Action Plan. These projects are creating local jobs, stimulating the economy and helping to improve the quality of life for Canadians throughout the country."

The new City Centre Park Sportsplex will house an indoor ice rink and a ten- pin bowling facility, and will include washrooms, change rooms and lobby area.

Through Canada's Economic Action Plan and the Building Canada Fund – Communities Component and Top-Up, nearly 1,400 infrastructure projects across the country, including more than 130 in British Columbia, have been funded.

Since July 2009, Canada's Economic Action Plan has contributed to the creation of more than 460,000 new jobs and helped the country emerge from the global economic crisis faster and stronger than most other major industrial countries around the world.

For more information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit http://www.actionplan.gc.ca

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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News Release (REVISED)

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

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Governor General to undertake visit to Kuwait and Qatar

February 22, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that the Governor General, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, will visit Kuwait and Qatar from February 24 to March 1, 2011.

In Kuwait, the Governor General will meet with the Amir of Kuwait, H.H. Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and other dignitaries. He will reiterate Canada's longstanding commitment to protecting peace and security in the region.

The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the creation of the State of Kuwait. It also coincides with the 20th anniversary of its liberation from occupation following the 1990-1991 Gulf War, in which Canada participated as a member of the UN coalition.

In Qatar, the Governor General will meet with the Amir of Qatar, H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, as well as the ministers of health and education. In keeping with the priorities he has set out for his mandate, the Governor General will express Canada's intention to continue to cooperate with Qatar in the development and promotion of its higher education sector.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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Statement

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

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Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the recent earthquake in New Zealand

February 22, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on the earthquake that struck New Zealand on Tuesday, February 22nd:

"On behalf of myself, Laureen and all Canadians, I extend my deepest sympathies to those who have lost loved ones in the devastating earthquake that has struck Christchurch, New Zealand. The thoughts and prayers of Canadians are with all those affected by the earthquake.

"Canada is standing by to offer any possible assistance to New Zealand in responding to this natural disaster.

"Friends and relatives seeking information on Canadian citizens believed to be in the affected areas should contact the Emergency Operations Centre at the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade by calling 1-800-387-3124 or 613-996-8885. They may also send an email to sos@international.gc.ca."

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