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  August 7, 2024 | Local, Other Defence

  Minister Blair announces contract award for new 480-room military accommodations facility at CFB Esquimalt and highlights plan to build more homes on military bases

  News release August 7, 2024 – Esquimalt, British Columbia – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, announced that a new, 480-room accommodations facility for Canadian Armed Forces members will be built at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt – and that a contract has been awarded to begin design work. The new 31,700 m2 facility for Junior Non-Commission Members will provide incoming Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) personnel with modern and functional infrastructure at CFB Esquimalt as they train and prepare for tomorrow’s security challenges. The new facility will consolidate several functions across the Base into one new, central, and modern high-rise. It will include approximately 480 single occupancy rooms, administrative areas, a dining area and galley capable of serving 700 people, a mess that can support 400 people, postal services, coffee shops, and more. The total design and construction contract cost is estimated at $165 million – and the design portion of the design-build contract has now been awarded to Ellis Don Corporation for $10.1 million. Estimated costs are subject to change as design progresses. We expect this project to create or sustain almost 900 jobs during construction. Aligned with the RCN’s Future Naval Training Strategy, these new, consolidated modern accommodations will support the RCN’s intent to have a bi-coastal training model that better meets the needs of our personnel in Esquimalt, helping to limit travel and time away from their families. As indicated in our renewed vision for defence, Our North, Strong and Free, the Government of Canada is committed to improving quality of life for Canadian Armed Forces members and providing them with the tools they need to meet today’s and future challenges. This is why Our North, Strong and Free invests $10.2 billion over 20 years in current and new infrastructure – and additional funding to establish a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) housing strategy, build new housing, and rehabilitate existing housing so CAF members have safe and affordable places to call home where they and their families are posted. In Esquimalt, Minister Blair reiterated that Budget 2024 makes additional investments for the Department of National Defence to build and renovate housing for CAF personnel on bases across Canada. This will support the construction of up to 1,400 new homes and the renovation of an additional 2,500 existing units for CAF members on base in communities such as Esquimalt, Edmonton, Borden, Trenton, Kingston, Petawawa, Ottawa, Valcartier, and Gagetown. Building more on-base housing will not only help meet the housing needs of military personnel but also help address housing demand in surrounding communities, since fewer military personnel will require rentals in these areas. Minister Blair also highlighted the federal government’s national effort to unlock more public lands for housing. National Defence owns 622 properties across Canada – including in Victoria, totalling 2.2 million hectares. Many of these National Defence properties in cities and communities across Canada are not fully utilized and could be unlocked to build more homes for Canadian Armed Forces members, and civilians, to live in. Minister Blair noted that the Government is reviewing the entire federal lands portfolio to identify more lands for housing. As announced in Budget 2024, the government is exploring the redevelopment of parts of National Defence properties – including CFB Esquimalt – which could be used for both military and civilian uses – including building more homes. We expect this review to identify additional lands that are promising for housing across Canada. As the results of this review come through, we will work with the housing sector to build homes wherever possible. Quotes “Canadian Armed Forces members stand ready to defend Canada every day. Wherever they are posted, service members should not have to worry about finding a suitable home. This new housing facility at CFB Esquimalt will provide state-of-the-art accommodations for 480 Armed Forces members – giving them a modern place to live while training. In British Columbia and right across Canada, we are making transformative investments to improve military housing and support our people.  The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence Quick facts Funding for the construction and design of this project comes from Canada’s 2017 defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with completion projected for the early 2030s. This project will also include the demolition of the current CFB Esquimalt accommodation facility, Nelles Block. We expect demolition will take place once the new facility is constructed in early 2030s. This new Junior NCM Training Facility will also meet the objectives of the Federal Sustainable Development strategy, the Greening Government Strategy, and will seek two Green Globes Certification. This facility will be designed to be Net Zero compliant and resilient to climate change, featuring energy efficient HVAC and lighting, parking spaces for green vehicles, rainwater capture technology, LED lighting, and more. To date, National Defence has reduced greenhouse gas emissions from its buildings and non-military vehicles by 35.9% across Canada, compared with 2005 levels. As part of their tender application, the Design-Builder is required to propose an Indigenous Benefit Plan that provides a commitment for Indigenous Business subcontracting with a target of 5% of the contract amount. Meeting this target is contingent on market conditions and industry capacity. This procurement strategy will continue our commitment to create more opportunities for Indigenous businesses to succeed and grow. CFB Esquimalt is one of Canada’s two Navy bases – and our government is committed to modernizing housing facilities at both of them. An accommodations facility was already constructed at CFB Halifax and completed in 2017. A twelve-story tower, approximately 19,000 m2 total with 300 rooms and a dining/mess hall, were constructed to support personnel at CFB Halifax in 2017. This project cost was approximately $155 million. As indicated in Budget 2024, the Government of Canada is leading a national effort to unlock more homes on public lands. National Defence owns 622 properties across every province and territory, totalling 2.2 million hectares, in addition to providing housing to many members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Many of these National Defence properties in cities and communities across Canada are not fully utilized and could be unlocked to build more homes for Canadian Armed Forces members, and civilians, to live in. As part of its work to build homes on public lands, Budget 2024 announced that the government is exploring the redevelopment of National Defence properties in Halifax, Toronto, and Victoria that could be suitable for both military and civilian uses. Budget 2024 also announced that the Department of National Defence is working with Canada Lands Company and other partners to divest 14 surplus properties that have potential for housing, and are not needed for National Defence operations. These properties include: The Amherst Armoury in Amherst, Nova Scotia;  96 D'Auteuil and 87 St-Louis in Quebec City, Quebec;  The National Defence Medical Centre in Ottawa, Ontario;  The HMCS Hunter Armoury in Windsor, Ontario; and,  The Brigadier Murphy Armoury in Vernon, British Columbia. Budget 2024 also makes additional investments for the Department of National Defence to build and renovate housing for CAF personnel on bases across Canada. This will support the construction of up to 1,400 new homes and the renovation of an additional 2,500 existing units for CAF members on base in communities such as Esquimalt, Edmonton, Borden, Trenton, Kingston, Petawawa, Ottawa, Valcartier, and Gagetown. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2024/08/minister-blair-announces-contract-award-for-new-480-room-military-accommodations-facility-at-cfb-esquimalt-and-highlights-plan-to-build-more-homes-.html

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  March 27, 2020 | Local, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security

  NRC COVID-19 response

  The Government of Canada is taking strong and quick action to protect our economy, and the health and safety of all Canadians during this global outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). We are working with our partners as part of the collective effort to help find solutions to the COVID-19 outbreak: 1. The COVID-19 Challenges Procurement Program: NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program and Innovative Solutions Canada Purpose: This program will post challenges seeking near-to-market solutions from small and medium-sized businesses (fewer than 500 staff) that need financial support from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) to refine and sell their product or solution to meet a COVID-19 related need. NRC IRAP works with roughly 8,000 small and medium-sized businesses every year through its cross-Canada network of 255 industrial technology advisors and provides over $300 million in support to more than 3,000 technology development projects annually Through this initiative, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Health Canada (HC) will establish a number of challenges corresponding to needs of health providers to deal with COVID-19 NRC IRAP will partner with Innovative Solutions Canada to launch calls for proposals over the next few weeks to address challenges, fund development of solutions, and buy successful products and services needed to address COVID-19 Together, NRC IRAP and Innovative Solutions Canada will: post the PHAC and HC challenges (Innovative Solutions Canada) award Phase 1 funding to successful small and medium-sized businesses to develop a proof of concept for their solution (NRC IRAP) award Phase 2 funding to the firms with the best concepts so they can develop a working prototype (NRC IRAP) The NRC, PHAC, HC or another federal department or agency will then be able purchase the product for use against COVID-19. Innovative Solutions Canada already has challenges in development, which they will begin posting to their website in the coming days. These will continue as PHAC, HC, and health care providers request new topics. Companies with promising technology relevant to the COVID-19 challenges can register their technology or product by clicking on the Register button below. Register 2. The Pandemic Response Challenge Program: National Research Council of Canada Purpose: This program will build teams to address challenges requiring further research and development for solutions to meet COVID-19 related needs. The NRC will build these teams drawing on internal-to-government capacity and academic researchers who register using the button below to indicate their interest, and related areas of expertise and capabilities. The NRC will receive $15M to form dedicated teams to address challenges in the areas of greatest research and development (R&D) need in the fight against COVID-19. The NRC Pandemic Response Challenge Program will accelerate the development of diagnostics and medical countermeasures for a rapid front-line response to protect and treat Canadians. This national vehicle will convene the best Canadian and international researchers from academia and small and medium-sized businesses to collectively accelerate R&D to address specific COVID-19 gaps and challenges as identified by Canadian health experts. The Pandemic Response Challenge Program is currently structured around 3 main research areas: Rapid detection and diagnosis Therapeutics and vaccine development and Digital health. Researchers at Canadian and international universities, government departments, colleges, and highly innovative firms with relevant expertise can now register their interest to work with us on these challenges by clicking the Register button below. Funding is available to help cover the costs of research for academic institutions, small and medium-sized businesses, and other eligible recipients participating in the challenge teams. Over the coming weeks, we will post the specific R&D challenges, send information to registered researchers, and invite them to indicate the expertise and capabilities they can bring to a team. Register 3. Biomanufacturing capacity at Royalmount: NRC Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre Purpose: This initiative will result in a Good Manufacturing Practices platform to develop and scale up COVID-19 Canadian vaccine and therapy candidates. The NRC Biomanufacturing facility, located in the NRC's Royalmount Avenue building in Montréal, is used to develop and scale up processes to produce biological medicines and is managed by the Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre. As part of its development capacity, the facility is equipped with pilot-scale bioreactors (200 L and 500 L), which will be operationally available to produce up to 100,000 doses of vaccine per month within 6 months once a vaccine suitable for front-line responders is available. A $15 million investment will fund the certification of the facility for Good Manufacturing Practices compliance, and will enable production of material that will be used in humans, particularly for vaccines or therapeutics. This certification can also greatly increase the capacity for candidate vaccines or therapeutics to be quickly rolled out and clinically tested, particularly those originating from Canada. The work to refine and certify quality systems at the facility will include: bringing the existing facility to regulatory standards, installing equipment to expand capacity, and managing information. Once certified, this facility will be able to accelerate the scale-up production and testing of various types of vaccine candidates in the context of the current COVID-19 outbreak, including protein-based, viral vector-based, and antibody-based products. https://nrc.canada.ca/en/research-development/research-collaboration/nrc-covid-19-response

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  March 13, 2020 | Local, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security

  Major defence conferences in Ottawa to proceed despite virus; other military events cancelled

  By DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN Two major defence conferences in Ottawa will still be held despite fears raised by the novel coronavirus, including an event expected to bring 12,000 Canadian Forces members, federal government officials and security personnel from around the world together in one location in May. But two other military social functions in Ottawa and one conference, scheduled in the coming weeks, have either been postponed or cancelled because of the virus. The military equipment trade show, CANSEC 2020, expected to attract around 12,000 visitors to the EY Centre in Ottawa, will still proceed, according to the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries, which organizes the event. Defence firms from around the world will display armaments and other products at the May 27-28 trade show. In the past, organizers have boasted CANSEC attracts thousands of Canadian government representatives and military personnel, as well as hundreds of VIPs, including generals, Canadian senators and cabinet ministers. In addition, delegations from around the world attend. The Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries, or CADSI, is also proceeding with the Canadian Armed Forces Outlook conference, April 7-9, in Ottawa which will feature the leadership of the army, navy and air force, along with other key military officers. But the coronavirus has taken its toll on other defence-related events. Canadian Army commander Lt. Gen. Wayne Eyre announced Wednesday he has decided to cancel the Army Ball, a military social event held each year in Gatineau. It was supposed to have taken place on April 4. Air force commander Lt.-Gen. Al Meinzinger announced he has postponed the inaugural Royal Canadian Air Force Ball, which was to have taken place in Ottawa on March 28. “I had to make this difficult decision in an effort to help reduce the risk of potential COVID-19 transmission within our veterans, personnel, families, and guests,” he wrote in a message. “This cautionary measure is being taken in the context of the evolving public health situation related to COVID-19.” The European Union delegation to Canada announced Tuesday its security and defence symposium planned for March 24 in Ottawa has been cancelled. “The rising number of COVID-19 infections globally and the hazards related to travelling have led to this decision,” it noted. “In order not to expose any panellists, guests or other collaborators to unnecessary risks, the EU DEL postpones the symposium until the conditions permit a safe and unhindered travel worldwide.” But CADSI president Christyn Cianfarani said there is an increased interest in both the Canadian Forces outlooks conference and CANSEC and at this point they are still scheduled to take place. “The health and safety of participants remains our top priority and we continue to monitor developments pertaining to coronavirus on a daily basis,” she said in a statement. “We are also following the guidelines put forward by the Government of Canada, Health Canada, and the World Health Organization to promote hygiene and prevent the spread of germs on-site.” She noted CADSI is following guidance from Ottawa Public Health. “Should anything regarding the event status change, we will share updates via email and social media,” she added. The coronavirus has already caused the cancellation or postponement of many conferences, sporting events and rock concerts. Norway on Wednesday cancelled a NATO Arctic exercise that was already underway with 15,000 troops from various nations. Norway's defence ministry also announced that the country's defence minister had cancelled all meetings and travel because he may have been exposed to the coronavirus. At the Pentagon, defence officials have begun what they are calling “social distancing” measures. On Monday, U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper's regular meeting with senior staff, normally held face-to-face in a single room with 40 to 50 participants, was broken up into three rooms with video-teleconferencing among the rooms, according to the Pentagon's chief spokesman, Jonathan Hoffman. He said Esper and the 15 to 20 people in his room, including Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sat at least six feet apart, in line with health guidance. Canada's Department of National Defence, however, is not following the Pentagon's lead. Department spokeswoman Jessica Lamirande said the Canadian Forces and DND is still participating in CANSEC and the outlook conference being held by CADSI. “There is also no new direction on limiting in-person, work-related interactions,” she added. “However, CAF members and DND employees have been reminded not to attend work when they are sick, to exercise caution when in large crowds, and to seek immediate medical attention for flu-like symptoms.” “We continue to monitor and evaluate the situation,” Lamirande said. “As the issue evolves, guidance will continue to be evaluated and adjusted.” With files from The Associated Press https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/major-defence-conferences-in-ottawa-to-proceed-despite-virus-other-military-events-cancelled