March 11, 2019 – Gagetown, NB – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan, visited members of the Canadian Armed Forces at 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown to observe the new logistics trucks that have been delivered to the base. These trucks support Canada's defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, in delivering the modern equipment the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces depend on to do their jobs.
Support vehicles like these trucks form the backbone of ground transportation for our Regular and Reserve forces. They are at the heart of nearly every domestic and international Canadian Armed Forces operation, moving critical equipment, personnel and supplies to wherever they need to be. Whether helping Canadian communities deal with severe flooding or other national disasters, or supporting NATO operations in Latvia and throughout Eastern Europe, these new trucks will serve our women and men for decades to come.
Of the over 1500 trucks purchased, 218 will be delivered to the Atlantic region for use by the Canadian Armed Forces, including the Reserves. The trucks will come in five variants ranging in use and size from regular cargo truck to a large tractor that can tow artillery. The cabs of these trucks can also be switched to an armoured version, which will provide better protection to personnel operating in high-risk environments.
The purchase of these trucks is subject to Canada's Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy, which means that for every dollar the government spends on major defence purchases, 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.
"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"."
– Minister of National Defence, Harjit S. Sajjan
"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."
– Member of Parliament for Fredericton, Matt DeCourcey
Quick facts
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In July 2015, the Government of Canada awarded two contracts to Mack Defense, valued at a total of $834 million, to deliver new trucks, trailers, armour protection systems and in-service support.
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More than 1500 trucks, 300 trailers, and 150 armoured protection systems are being delivered across Canada over the next two years.
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The new trucks have the ability to carry up to 9.5 tonnes.
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The first trucks were delivered to Gagetown in November 2018. The base currently has 37 trucks and 16 trailers.
