Vanguard Magazine

8DECEMBER 2024/JANUARY 2025 www.vanguardcanada.com S SIT REP Strengthening Canada's Defence and Creating Jobs: Federal Investment in Halifax-Class Frigates Breaking New Ground in Arctic Safety: White Glacier Unveils Advanced Cold-Water Immersion Technology On 31 October, the Canadian federal government announced it is taking action to bolster the capabilities of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) while boosting the national economy. Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procure- ment and Quebec Lieutenant, detailed a contract awarded to Lockheed Martin Canada (LMC) valued at up to $1.85 billion, inclusive of taxes. This significant contract will secure ongoing support for combat system integration in-service support (CSI ISS) for the Halifax-class frigates. These frigates, the core of Canada's naval fleet, are critical to the country's maritime security and operational readiness. This renewed contract guarantees that the Halifax-class frigates will receive continued service and support until they reach their expected end-of-life timeline. By that point, the Canadian Navy's new River-class destroyers will gradually re- place them, ensuring seamless continuity in Canada's naval capabilities. Economically, this contract is expected to inject $76 million into Canada's GDP each year and sustain as many as 680 skilled jobs across the country annually. "This contract is not only an investment in our Navy, it is also an investment in Canadian industry and workers. The Royal Canadian Navy's fleet of Halifax-class frigates are the backbone of maritime operations at home and abroad. This in-service support contract will ensure our frigates remain operationally effective until the arrival of our future fleet of River-class destroyers," stated the Honourable Bill Blair, Min- ister of National Defence. Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate Her Majesty's Canadian Ship Vancouver (FFH 331) steams in close formation as one of 40 ships and submarines representing 13 international partner nations during Rim of the Pacific 2016. (U.S. Navy Combat Camera photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ace Rheaume/Released White Glacier's latest innovation, the Arctic 10+ suit. White Glacier, a leading name in Arctic safety solutions, re- cently presented its cutting-edge cold-water immersion tech- nology at the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa. Attended by safety ex- perts, industry professionals, and potential partners, the event highlighted White Glacier's latest immersion suits, designed for extreme resilience in the unforgiving Arctic environment. Attendees witnessed a live product demonstration, allowing them to appreciate firsthand the advanced features and reli- ability of White Glacier's protective gear. David L. Cohen, U.S. Ambassador to Canada, commented that "The Arctic's growing significance — geostrategically, econom- ically, and environmentally — means that our responsibility is also growing. Whether we're preparing for expanded ship- ping lanes, increased resource exploration, or the rise in tour- ism, safety must remain at the forefront. And that safety starts with having the right tools, like these immersion suits, and the training to use them effectively." In response to increasing activity in the Arctic and Antarc- tic, demand for robust survival suits that can endure extreme conditions has surged. White Glacier's latest innovation, the Arctic 10+ suit, sets a new benchmark, fully meeting the stan- dards outlined by the International Maritime Organization's Polar Code, which mandates survival equipment designed for a minimum of five days in Polar waters. This new suit is the first to achieve full compliance with the stringent Polar Code requirements, reinforcing White Glacier's commitment to en- hancing safety in extreme environments.

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