OTTAWA – The federal government says it hopes to buy up to 24 new helicopters to replace the Coast Guard’s aging fleet of choppers.

The announcement was made, Monday.

Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Keith Ashfield, said modernizing the Coast Guard’s fleet is essential to the safety of Canada’s shores.

“Helicopter air-support is a crucial component to the delivery of Coast Guard services and the maintenance of public safety,” he said.  

Ashfield added that the new choppers will stimulate the economy and help create jobs.

“Renewing the Canadian Coast Guard fleet of helicopters will stimulate economic growth in the aerospace industry, as well as create a variety of jobs and business opportunities,” he explained.

The process was initiated when a letter of interest was posted on MERX – the Canadian Government’s contracting website – inviting aerospace business leaders to an industry day.

The new helicopters are expected to have a service life of 30-years and will be easier to maintain than the current fleet.

The Coast Guard and its federal partners will meet with industry leaders later this summer to discuss the needs of the project.