WASHINGTON, D.C.,
May 17,
2024 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos,
Minister of Public Services and Procurement, concluded a successful
visit to Washington, D.C. As both
Canada and the United States depend on strong trade
relationships and shared security objectives, this visit aimed at
reinforcing the cooperation between the 2 countries and the
importance of building and maintaining resilient supply chains,
especially in the Canadian defence sector.
While in Washington, Minister
Duclos met with officials from the U.S. government and strategic
defence and aerospace industry representatives. These meetings were
aimed at promoting and advancing shared Canada-U.S. economic and
security priorities. The new funding allocated to defence in Budget
2024 builds on unprecedented investments made to date by the
government to support the members of our Armed Forces, strengthen
Canada's defence capabilities and
address global challenges. Canadian industry must be able to play a
key role in existing and future partnerships with our U.S.
neighbours. The viability of our domestic supply chains depends on
it.
As highlighted in Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed
Vision for Canada's
Defence, the Government of Canada intends to reform defence procurement,
including enabling increased use
of government-to-government arrangements, where it makes
sense to develop strategic partnerships with Canada's allies, and especially the U.S.
Minister Duclos also took the opportunity to meet with
Kirsten Hillman, Canada's Ambassador to the United States of America, as well as
Public Services and Procurement Canada's (PSPC) Washington Sector,
to discuss how to better advance this priority and highlight the
important role the Ambassador and the Sector will play in
supporting Canada's defence
procurement objectives with the U.S. government.
Quotes
"In the face of rapidly changing and increasingly complex
threats to global security, it's more important than ever to
strengthen our partnerships with our neighbour and closest partner.
These meetings confirmed our mutual economic interests and common
security priorities in maintaining a strong defence and aerospace
industry in North America. This
reinforces Canada's key role in
safety and security while ensuring opportunities for Canadian
industry and highly skilled and well-paid jobs in Canada."
The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Public
Services and Procurement
Quick facts
- This was Minister Duclos's first visit to Washington, D.C., as the Minister responsible
for Public Services and Procurement.
- During his trip, Minister Duclos met with representatives from
the U.S. Department of Defense to discuss common priorities,
including providing updates on cyber security certification for
defence suppliers in Canada.
- PSPC's Washington Sector manages all Canadian acquisitions
conducted through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program.
Currently, the Sector oversees a portfolio valued at USD
$13.5 billion, supporting project
capabilities like Canada's Multi
Mission Aircraft, Canadian Surface Combatant, and Manned Airborne
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance.
- Minister Duclos also had meetings with industry representatives
from companies such as Boeing Defense, Space and Security, Lockheed
Martin and RTX.
Associated links
- Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for
Canada's Defence
- Cyber security certification for defence suppliers in
Canada
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SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada