BAGOTVILLE, QUEBEC -- (Marketwire) -- 02/17/13 -- The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, and Member of Parliament for Roberval-Lac-Saint-Jean, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Associate Minister of National Defence and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) (La Francophonie), and Member of Parliament for Madawaska-Restigouche, today announced a significant contract to support training for Canada's fighter jet pilots.

The Government of Canada has awarded a contract valued at $19.6 million to Select Global International Limitee of Laval, Quebec to provide CF-18 pilot training and simulator operation services to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) through the Advanced Distributed Combat Training System.

"This Government remains committed to ensuring that a sufficient number of personnel are trained to required levels and that the necessary equipment is available, for both the training and operations needed to take on future challenges," said Minister Lebel. "At the same time, we are investing in the economic health of communities and industries across Canada."

"The Government of Canada is committed to obtaining the best training and equipment for the Canadian Armed Forces, at the most reasonable price for Canadians, with the greatest benefits for Canadian companies and workers," said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women. "This training will help prepare the men and women of the Royal Canadian Air Force for the important work they do both at home and abroad."

The training services contract will help to sustain at least 12 jobs in Bagotville, Quebec and in Cold Lake, Alberta. The contract, which followed a competitive procurement process, covers a period of 5 years, and has options that could extend the contract to 10 years.

The CAF's Advanced Distributed Combat Training System provides CF-18 pilots with training on the updated aircraft and weapons systems, while reducing airframe-fatigue and overall operating costs for the CF-18 fleet. This system offers training previously available primarily through actual combat, thereby increasing the pilots' operational readiness in a much safer environment.