Harper Government Awards Contract for Critical Refit and Maintenance of Canadian Coast Guard Vessel Martha L. Black

HAMILTON, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 7, 2015) -

Editors' Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the Government of Canada has awarded a $1.7 million contract to Heddle Marine Service Incorporated for important refit and maintenance work for the CCGS Martha L. Black.

The CCGS Martha L. Black is a high-endurance multi-tasked vessel primarily used for buoy tending and based in Quebec City. It joined the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) fleet in 1986 and was named after the second woman to be elected to the House of Commons.

Repairing and maintaining existing vessels will ensure CCG continues to deliver marine safety and environmental response capacity for future generations. This work supports Canada's shipbuilding industry, ensuring the best value for Canadian taxpayers.

Funding for this project is partly provided under the Federal Infrastructure Initiative announced in November 2014 by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Under this initiative, the Canadian Coast Guard received $183 million for repair, life extension, and procurement of vessels and small craft.

Quick Facts

• Maintenance work includes inspection of the hull, propellers, and the rudder. In addition, a diesel propulsion motor will be reinstalled.

• Work is scheduled to begin in July 2015, and to be completed by the end of August 2015.

• This work ensures that vessels can continue to fulfill mission requirements and operate efficiently.

Quotes

"Our Government is committed to supporting the Canadian Coast Guard, our shipbuilding industry and our nation's maritime safety. Investments such as this will revitalize the Canadian Coast Guard fleet so it can continue to keep our waterways safe and accessible."

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

"Our Government's investments in renewing the Canadian Coast Guard fleet are creating jobs and economic growth across the country. I am pleased to see the expertise of Hamilton's Heddle Marine recognized and the Hamilton area benefitting from this important Federal Infrastructure Initiative announced by Prime Minister Harper."

David Sweet, Member of Parliament, Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale

Associated Links

- National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy: Repair, Maintenance and Refit

- PM Announces New Infrastructure Investments Across Canada

- Canadian Coast Guard Fleet: Details on CCGS Martha L. Black

Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

For more information about the Canadian Coast Guard, visit www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca.

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