Deborah van der LindeCFB Gagetown just took possession of their new logistics trucks. They received 218 of the over 1,500 trucks purchased as part of Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged.
These support vehicles are used for ground transportation for both Regular and Reserve forces, and they are used both domestically and internationally, for any Canadian Armed Forces operation. The trucks will move equipment, personnel and supplies to where ever they are needed.
“Providing our women and men in uniform with what they need to do the important job we ask of them is one of our top priorities. Whether it is providing essential supplies and equipment to soldiers during an operation or supporting local communities in times of need, these vehicles are a key component to the work the Canadian Armed Forces does,” said Minister of National Defence, Harjit S. Sajjan.
The trucks come in five variations in use and size, from cargo trucks to large tractors that can tow artillery. The cabs can also be switched to an armoured version to better protect personnel who are operating in high-risk environments. The new trucks can carry up to 9.5 tonnes.
The two contracts for these trucks were awarded to Mack Defense, and are valued at $834 million. The contracts were for the delivery of new trucks, trailers, armoured protection systems and in-service support. Along with the trucks purchased, there were 300 trailers, and 150 armoured protection systems to be delivered over the next two years.
“Seeing these new trucks here at Gagetown underscores the work our government is doing to provide members of the Canadian Armed Forces with the tools and equipment they need to operate safely and effectively. The deliveries of these modern vehicles is great news for the base and for the units that will be using them,” said Member of Parliament for Fredericton, Matt DeCourcey.
As the purchase of these trucks falls under Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, every dollar the government spends on major defence purchases means that the winning contractor must put a dollar back into Canada’s economy.
“Through this policy, the government’s purchasing power is being used to support innovation and create well-paying middle-class jobs,” states the Department of National Defence.
