MND MacKay's procurement priorites

Keeping things close to home:

Knifemaker gets Forces contract

Defence Minister Peter MacKay issued a news release Monday pointing out that a knife manufacturer in his riding has won a big contract from the Canadian Forces.

Grohmann Knives of Pictou lost a contract providing knives to Canadian paratroopers last year, which caused a political headache for Mr. MacKay when it emerged as an election issue.

In January, the company won a contract for 1,500 knives, the release said.

"I’m delighted that Grohmann was awarded this contract in an open, transparent and competitive process," Mr. MacKay said.

His spokesman, Dan Dugas, said it was unfortunate that Mr. MacKay was blamed for the loss of the contract last time because the defence minister is not involved in picking who gets individual contracts.

Meanwhile, as for other procurement matters (more here)...

Update: Via Spotlight on Military News and International Affairs:

...Canadian Army Knife (CAF) #R3SA or commonly referred to as the "Jump Knife": Comes with straight blade and Overlap sheath, used by the Canadian Armed Forces since 1964.-( 3A sheath ) Shown here with rosewood handle and straight blade, but partially serrated blade and other handle materials are available as well. Various Kit Shops across the country stock this knife as well as a number of our other high quality knives.

*Please Note: the government does purchase other non-Grohmann knives as well, so any defects, complaints or problems with any other brand are to be directed to the government. If it is not stamped Grohmann / Canada it is not associated with Grohmann Knives.