Government of Canada donates Coast Guard helicopter to Algonquin College
Posted on Wednesday, March 6th, 2019
Government of Canada donates Coast Guard helicopter to Algonquin College
OTTAWA – Algonquin College has received a Canadian Coast Guard helicopter for hands-on training in its Aircraft Maintenance program.
On behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier, and Anita Vandenbeld, Member of Parliament for Ottawa West-Nepean, announced today that Algonquin College has received a surplus Coast Guard Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm BO105 helicopter.
“The Bo105 helicopter donated by the Canadian Coast Guard has been instrumental to the success of the Aircraft Maintenance program at Algonquin College,” said Cheryl Jensen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Algonquin College. “The aircraft is being used extensively by the students during the practical phase of training, which mirrors the tasks the graduates will be performing following graduation. Algonquin College is truly appreciative of the Canadian Coast Guard’s donation.”
The helicopter was loaned to the program in 2016 and has been used in training by over 70 students. Over 20 of the program’s current students were on hand for the announcement. Attendees were also taken on a tour of the helicopter training space located on the grounds of the Canadian Space and Aviation Museum.
Nine other educational training institutions located across Canada have also received a donated BO105 helicopter.
“The Canadian Coast Guard’s helicopter donation will provide the students of Algonquin College with the opportunity and tools they need to further advance their skills within the Aircraft Maintenance program; furthermore, it will allow them to experience real-life projects and responsibilities so they will be prepared upon graduation,” said Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament for Ottawa–Vanier.
“Students from Algonquin College will benefit from the Government of Canada’s donation. There is nothing like being able to provide students with the opportunity to grow and develop their skills by learning on real Coast Guard assets, said Anita Vandenbeld, Member of Parliament for Ottawa West – Nepean.
The Government of Canada is supporting the development of well-trained, skilled personnel to serve the aerospace industry of the future, by donating surplus Coast Guard assets to educational institutions across Canada. These donations are helping to support aircraft maintenance training in Canada, providing practical and hands-on experience to students.
The ten Coast Guard BO105 helicopters were in service in the Canadian Coast Guard for more than 30 years. The first BO 105 helicopter was purchased by Coast Guard in April 1985, and the last unit was purchased in April of 1988. The helicopter fleet plays an essential part in supporting programs such as icebreaking, marine communication, aids to navigation, environmental response, waterway protection, conservation and protection, science and support to other government departments as required.
As part of the Coast Guard’s Fleet Renewal Plan, the Government of Canada has purchased and deployed 22 new helicopters – 15 light-lift helicopters (Bell Epi 429) and seven medium-lift helicopters (Bell Epi 412).
“I am proud that these Coast Guard helicopters will help develop students across the country allowing them to have practical and hands-on experience,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. “These assets have a lot of history and are part of the Coast Guard’s heritage. I am glad that they will benefit the generations to come in building high-level aircraft maintenance expertise.”
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Ruth Dunley, Communications Manager
Algonquin College
Office: 613-727-4723 ext. 6452
Mobile: 613-406-0970
Chris Lackner, Communications Officer
Algonquin College
Office: 613-727-4723 ext. 2091
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