Latest news with #HAC
Vancouver Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Ottawa in 'serious breach' in allowing used choppers to patrol border, industry says
OTTAWA — Canada's helicopter industry is charging the federal government with a 'serious breach' in allowing the RCMP to patrol the Canada-U.S. border with antiquated military helicopters that don't meet the government's own safety regulations, National Post has learned. The second-hand helicopters, purchased on the open market by private Canadian operators who were then hired by the RCMP, were granted highly unusual special exemptions by Transport Canada. But documents show that the industry is accusing the federal government of breaking its own rules by allowing used choppers that don't meet Canadian safety standards and aren't supposed to carry passengers or even fly over developed areas. 'It's not even something that should be considered,' said Trevor Mitchell, chief executive of the Helicopter Association of Canada (HAC), about the government's decision to provide the special exemptions. 'Why do some have to follow the rules and some don't?' Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. For at least the last three years, the RCMP has been relying on a small number of private contractors to help patrol the border in search of illegal migrants, drug smugglers and other illicit activities. Those contractors, including two based in Ontario, have been using up to four Black Hawk helicopters that were purchased on the second-hand market after the U.S. military decided to update much of its own fleet. According to the government's Canadian Civil Aircraft Register, the second-hand Sikorsky Black Hawk UH 60As are each at least 40 years old and were imported between 2022 and last year. The special exemptions from Transport Canada, the industry says in a series of letters to senior government officials, allowed them to do non-military jobs in Canadian air space. HAC also says that the twin-engine Black Hawks didn't come with 'type certificates,' which act like recipe books for new owners in that they provide details about the aircraft's parts and how it should be maintained. But in a March 20 letter to Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland, Mitchell said even the conditions attached to the exemptions — such as not being allowed to carry passengers or fly over developed areas — have not been followed. 'We urge you to direct your department to ensure the safety restrictions attached to these aircraft are strictly enforced for the balance of the RCMP's contract and that the Force be urged to select a certified aircraft before the contract expires.' The contracts, worth an estimated $16 million so far, expire June 30, documents show. The Canadian helicopter industry, which relies heavily on conforming to streams of rules and regulations as its safety pillars, is angry and confused over Transport's decision, Mitchell said. 'It's the hottest topic in the industry.' HAC has been trying to find out why these helicopters got the green light but the association said that it hasn't been given a full explanation from Transport Canada, which granted the exemptions, or the RCMP, who hired the contractors, even though the federal police force has its own helicopters. None of the government players involved in the Black Hawk contracts agreed to an interview to address the industry's concerns, despite repeated requests. A RCMP communications officer wouldn't say over a period of almost a week when the federal police would be available to comment. Two Transport Canada executives involved in the granting of the special exemptions referred National Post to communications staff. A communications official then said that the transport department is 'unable to accommodate your request and facilitate a direct conversation.' But in an email, the official confirmed that four Black Hawks have been registered in Canada, placed on the Civil Aircraft Register and issued 'special certificates of airworthiness.' The aircraft, the email said, are being operated by legally-approved air operators. Freeland also could not be reached for comment. Denis Pilon, chief operating officer of Helicopter Transport Services, a Carp, Ont. company that bought two of the four Black Hawks and then leased the helicopters and crew to the RCMP, did not respond to voice mail messages. The government's civil aircraft registry says a third chopper was imported by Expedition Helicopters Inc. of Cochrane, Ont. The industry association says the fourth was contracted by the Alberta government. I view the whole idea of patrolling borders with helicopters skeptically Despite its reluctance to discuss the matter, the federal government is well aware of the situation involving the Black Hawks and the industry's concerns. In the spring of 2024, following interactions with HAC, former Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez directed his officials to pause the issuing of special exemptions for the Black Hawks. But in September of that year, Rodriguez resigned from the federal cabinet to run for leader of the Quebec Liberal party. He was replaced at transport for about seven months by Anita Anand, now the foreign affairs minister. She was then replaced in the new year by Chrystia Freeland, after Mark Carney became prime minister. Neither Anand nor Freeland has clarified the government's view of the situation or publicly commented on the special exemptions for the Black Hawks. Although the Black Hawk contracts pre-date the re-election earlier this year of U.S. President Donald Trump, Canada's enhanced border patrol is in sync with the White House's escalation of concern about illegal migrants and illegal drugs entering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico and elsewhere. But it's not like there aren't other — even domestic — options beyond Black Hawks. Mitchell says Canada has about 200 companies that offer helicopter services and pilots to fly them. Their collective fleets comprise about 1,700 choppers, many of which might be better suited than Black Hawks for patrol duties because they're smaller and equipped with infra-red cameras that allow them to work in the dark. Governments in Canada, mostly large municipalities, also own about a dozen helicopters. The military and the RCMP also have their own fleets. If the RCMP's own helicopters weren't enough, Mitchell said, it would have no problem finding private contractors to help them patrol. John Arquilla, a long-time defence analyst based in Monterey, Calif., said Black Hawks are mostly used to transport soldiers and other personnel but are considered 'utility' aircraft because of their flexibility. But Black Hawks aren't ideal for patrolling borders, he said, because they're expensive to operate, have limited range and can easily be heard as they approach. Arquilla said the broader problem with using Black Hawks to patrol a massive area such as the Canada-U.S. border is that they would have little effect, particularly compared to a cheaper, more effective technology such as drones. 'I view the whole idea of patrolling borders with helicopters skeptically.' Despite being unwilling to agree to an interview, the RCMP seems to acknowledge that critics of the Black Hawk contracts have valid points. In a Feb. 27 letter to HAC, Commissioner Mike Duheme wrote: 'I acknowledge your concerns with respect to the Blackhawk helicopters and would like to inform you that the RCMP is working with Transport Canada to review the current restrictions from a law enforcement context.' In that same letter, Duheme confirmed that the 'Black Hawks in question became operational in mid-January and are conducting surveillance patrols along the border.' He also explains that the Black Hawks are being used to complement the RCMP's existing fleet of nine helicopters, six of which provide border surveillance and support with cameras capable of thermal imaging, while one is capable of any necessary hoisting. While the RCMP wouldn't agree in recent days to an interview, the force was keen just a few months ago to publicize its new access to the Black Hawks and the enhanced capabilities that were to come with them. In an interview conducted with a television network next to one of the Black Hawks, an RCMP official confirmed that the helicopters were leased with a crew and that the choppers were designed to boost capacity. 'It's really about the ability to move people quickly,' Mathieu Bertrand, the RCMP's Director General of Federal Policing and Border Integrity, told the reporter. 'Things happen quickly on the border.' The issue of certifying the privately-owned Black Hawks has also been a topic of interest at Transport Canada for many months. According to a June, 2024 internal departmental bulletin obtained by National Post, transport was to stop considering applications for 'special certificates of airworthiness' that month. The document warns of increased interest among Canadian operators in using aircraft with the special certificates and that 'this may represent a significant change in the risk environment.' Transport Canada is responsible for the country's transportation policies and programs. The department, known for its emphasis on safety of Canada's road, rail, marine and aviation networks, says it promotes safe, secure, efficient and environmentally responsible transportation. While the Black Hawk was designed for war more than border patrol, the one advantage it may have over other choppers in this regard, is that it's large, well-known and American. Those could be important attributes, HAC's Mitchell says, if Canada's primary goal in the mission is to ensure that the United States saw its neighbour trying to step up its border patrolling efforts in a very visible way. In a June 1 letter to the RCMP, Mitchell writes that the Black Hawks 'offer no technological advantage to the mission profile, only an appearance.' Helicopters are valued for their versatility and mobility. In Canada, they're mostly used in search and rescue, fighting forest fires, helping combat floods, and commercial applications in remote areas such as mining and electrical lines. But five-seat helicopters are typically used for patrol because they're more nimble and cheaper to operate than a larger, 14-seater such as Sikorsky's Black Hawk. According to a February 10 letter by HAC to RCMP Commissioner Duheme, the choppers have not been approved by Canadian or American authorities for civilian purposes. The RCMP's Black Hawk contracts overlap with Carney's vow to increase Canada's military spending so that it reaches the NATO target of 2 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). Carney has also vowed to do more to support Canadian business and to rely less on the U.S. Industry sources say the older Black Hawks were selling in recent months for about $1 million each, as the market became flooded with supply. The market for used helicopters has grown in recent years as the U.S. military has modernized its fleet, including the purchase of a newer model of Black Hawks, called the UH-60M. That has punted a number of older, but still functional Black Hawks to the second-hand market. Prices of new and used aircraft vary widely, depending on a range of factors. But a new five-seat helicopter, including those made in Canada, sells for about $6.5 million, while a new 14-seater, similar in size to the Black Hawks, goes for about $12 million. But the helicopter association says the special exemptions from the usual rules are not fair to Canadian helicopter makers, nor to those Canadian companies that offer helicopter services using certified choppers. Bell Textron, a subsidiary of Fort Worth, Tex.-based Textron, makes commercial helicopters at its Mirabel, Que. facilities. Its lineup of models includes the Bell 412, which could be used for border patrol. Airbus Helicopters Canada, formerly MBB Helicopter Canada, has a 300-employee site at Fort Erie, Ont. That location focuses largely on sales, repair, engineering and composite manufacturing. The Black Hawk, made by Sikorsky Aircraft, is a four-blade, twin-engine, medium-lift chopper in the 'military utility' product niche. Stratford, Conn.-based Sikorsky was founded by the Russian-American aviation pioneer Igor Sikorsky in 1923 and was among the first companies to manufacture helicopters for civilian and military use. The Black Hawk was first conceived in 1972 when its design was submitted for a U.S. Army competition. Carney, meanwhile, issued a statement earlier this month saying that Canada plans to boost its defence spending by $9.3 billion to $54.3 billion. The money will be used on a range of items, including submarines, ships, armoured vehicles and aircraft, as well as new drones and sensors for monitoring the Arctic and seafloor. In the government's latest signal that it intends to create some distance from the U.S. since Trump imposed a wide range of debilitating tariffs on Canadian exports, Carney said Canada wants to reduce how much of its defence budget goes to purchases of American equipment. The prime minister has said that about 75 per cent of Canada's capital spending on defence heads to the U.S. In March, Carney ordered a review of the plan to order 88 fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets to determine whether those aircraft represent the best investment. While Canada is legally obliged to purchase the first 16 of those jets, Auditor General Karen Hogan said this week in a report that it's unlikely that the order will be delivered on time or on budget. National Post Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Calgary Herald
2 days ago
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
Ottawa in 'serious breach' in allowing used choppers to patrol border, industry says
Article content But it's not like there aren't other — even domestic — options beyond Black Hawks. Article content Mitchell says Canada has about 200 companies that offer helicopter services and pilots to fly them. Their collective fleets comprise about 1,700 choppers, many of which might be better suited than Black Hawks for patrol duties because they're smaller and equipped with infra-red cameras that allow them to work in the dark. Article content Governments in Canada, mostly large municipalities, also own about a dozen helicopters. The military and the RCMP also have their own fleets. Article content If the RCMP's own helicopters weren't enough, Mitchell said, it would have no problem finding private contractors to help them patrol. Article content John Arquilla, a long-time defence analyst based in Monterey, Calif., said Black Hawks are mostly used to transport soldiers and other personnel but are considered 'utility' aircraft because of their flexibility. But Black Hawks aren't ideal for patrolling borders, he said, because they're expensive to operate, have limited range and can easily be heard as they approach. Article content Article content Arquilla said the broader problem with using Black Hawks to patrol a massive area such as the Canada-U.S. border is that they would have little effect, particularly compared to a cheaper, more effective technology such as drones. Article content 'I view the whole idea of patrolling borders with helicopters skeptically.' Article content Despite being unwilling to agree to an interview, the RCMP seems to acknowledge that critics of the Black Hawk contracts have valid points. In a Feb. 27 letter to HAC, Commissioner Mike Duheme wrote: 'I acknowledge your concerns with respect to the Blackhawk helicopters and would like to inform you that the RCMP is working with Transport Canada to review the current restrictions from a law enforcement context.' Article content Article content In that same letter, Duheme confirmed that the 'Black Hawks in question became operational in mid-January and are conducting surveillance patrols along the border.' He also explains that the Black Hawks are being used to complement the RCMP's existing fleet of nine helicopters, six of which provide border surveillance and support with cameras capable of thermal imaging, while one is capable of any necessary hoisting. Article content Article content While the RCMP wouldn't agree in recent days to an interview, the force was keen just a few months ago to publicize its new access to the Black Hawks and the enhanced capabilities that were to come with them. Article content In an interview conducted with a television network next to one of the Black Hawks, an RCMP official confirmed that the helicopters were leased with a crew and that the choppers were designed to boost capacity. 'It's really about the ability to move people quickly,' Mathieu Bertrand, the RCMP's Director General of Federal Policing and Border Integrity, told the reporter. 'Things happen quickly on the border.' Article content The issue of certifying the privately-owned Black Hawks has also been a topic of interest at Transport Canada for many months. Article content According to a June, 2024 internal departmental bulletin obtained by National Post, transport was to stop considering applications for 'special certificates of airworthiness' that month. The document warns of increased interest among Canadian operators in using aircraft with the special certificates and that 'this may represent a significant change in the risk environment.' Article content Transport Canada is responsible for the country's transportation policies and programs. The department, known for its emphasis on safety of Canada's road, rail, marine and aviation networks, says it promotes safe, secure, efficient and environmentally responsible transportation. Article content While the Black Hawk was designed for war more than border patrol, the one advantage it may have over other choppers in this regard, is that it's large, well-known and American. Those could be important attributes, HAC's Mitchell says, if Canada's primary goal in the mission is to ensure that the United States saw its neighbour trying to step up its border patrolling efforts in a very visible way. Article content In a June 1 letter to the RCMP, Mitchell writes that the Black Hawks 'offer no technological advantage to the mission profile, only an appearance.' Article content Helicopters are valued for their versatility and mobility. In Canada, they're mostly used in search and rescue, fighting forest fires, helping combat floods, and commercial applications in remote areas such as mining and electrical lines. Article content Article content But five-seat helicopters are typically used for patrol because they're more nimble and cheaper to operate than a larger, 14-seater such as Sikorsky's Black Hawk. Article content According to a February 10 letter by HAC to RCMP Commissioner Duheme, the choppers have not been approved by Canadian or American authorities for civilian purposes. Article content The RCMP's Black Hawk contracts overlap with Carney's vow to increase Canada's military spending so that it reaches the NATO target of 2 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). Carney has also vowed to do more to support Canadian business and to rely less on the U.S. Article content Industry sources say the older Black Hawks were selling in recent months for about $1 million each, as the market became flooded with supply. The market for used helicopters has grown in recent years as the U.S. military has modernized its fleet, including the purchase of a newer model of Black Hawks, called the UH-60M. Article content Article content Article content Prices of new and used aircraft vary widely, depending on a range of factors. But a new five-seat helicopter, including those made in Canada, sells for about $6.5 million, while a new 14-seater, similar in size to the Black Hawks, goes for about $12 million. Article content But the helicopter association says the special exemptions from the usual rules are not fair to Canadian helicopter makers, nor to those Canadian companies that offer helicopter services using certified choppers. Article content Bell Textron, a subsidiary of Fort Worth, Tex.-based Textron, makes commercial helicopters at its Mirabel, Que. facilities. Its lineup of models includes the Bell 412, which could be used for border patrol. Article content Airbus Helicopters Canada, formerly MBB Helicopter Canada, has a 300-employee site at Fort Erie, Ont. That location focuses largely on sales, repair, engineering and composite manufacturing.
Edmonton Journal
2 days ago
- Business
- Edmonton Journal
Ottawa in 'serious breach' in allowing used choppers to patrol border, industry says
Article content OTTAWA — Canada's helicopter industry is charging the federal government with a 'serious breach' in allowing the RCMP to patrol the Canada-U.S. border with antiquated military helicopters that don't meet the government's own safety regulations, National Post has learned. The second-hand helicopters, purchased on the open market by private Canadian operators who were then hired by the RCMP, were granted highly unusual special exemptions by Transport Canada. But documents show that the industry is accusing the federal government of breaking its own rules by allowing used choppers that don't meet Canadian safety standards and aren't supposed to carry passengers or even fly over developed areas. Article content 'It's not even something that should be considered,' said Trevor Mitchell, chief executive of the Helicopter Association of Canada (HAC), about the government's decision to provide the special exemptions. 'Why do some have to follow the rules and some don't?' For at least the last three years, the RCMP has been relying on a small number of private contractors to help patrol the border in search of illegal migrants, drug smugglers and other illicit activities. Those contractors, including two based in Ontario, have been using up to four Black Hawk helicopters that were purchased on the second-hand market after the U.S. military decided to update much of its own fleet. According to the government's Canadian Civil Aircraft Register, the second-hand Sikorsky Black Hawk UH 60As are each at least 40 years old and were imported between 2022 and last year. Article content The special exemptions from Transport Canada, the industry says in a series of letters to senior government officials, allowed them to do non-military jobs in Canadian air space. HAC also says that the twin-engine Black Hawks didn't come with 'type certificates,' which act like recipe books for new owners in that they provide details about the aircraft's parts and how it should be maintained. But in a March 20 letter to Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland, Mitchell said even the conditions attached to the exemptions — such as not being allowed to carry passengers or fly over developed areas — have not been followed. 'We urge you to direct your department to ensure the safety restrictions attached to these aircraft are strictly enforced for the balance of the RCMP's contract and that the Force be urged to select a certified aircraft before the contract expires.' Article content The contracts, worth an estimated $16 million so far, expire June 30, documents show. The Canadian helicopter industry, which relies heavily on conforming to streams of rules and regulations as its safety pillars, is angry and confused over Transport's decision, Mitchell said. 'It's the hottest topic in the industry.' HAC has been trying to find out why these helicopters got the green light but the association said that it hasn't been given a full explanation from Transport Canada, which granted the exemptions, or the RCMP, who hired the contractors, even though the federal police force has its own helicopters. None of the government players involved in the Black Hawk contracts agreed to an interview to address the industry's concerns, despite repeated requests. A RCMP communications officer wouldn't say over a period of almost a week when the federal police would be available to comment. Article content Two Transport Canada executives involved in the granting of the special exemptions referred National Post to communications staff. A communications official then said that the transport department is 'unable to accommodate your request and facilitate a direct conversation.' But in an email, the official confirmed that four Black Hawks have been registered in Canada, placed on the Civil Aircraft Register and issued 'special certificates of airworthiness.' The aircraft, the email said, are being operated by legally-approved air operators. Freeland also could not be reached for comment. Denis Pilon, chief operating officer of Helicopter Transport Services, a Carp, Ont. company that bought two of the four Black Hawks and then leased the helicopters and crew to the RCMP, did not respond to voice mail messages. The government's civil aircraft registry says a third chopper was imported by Expedition Helicopters Inc. of Cochrane, Ont. The industry association says the fourth was contracted by the Alberta government. I view the whole idea of patrolling borders with helicopters skeptically Despite its reluctance to discuss the matter, the federal government is well aware of the situation involving the Black Hawks and the industry's concerns. In the spring of 2024, following interactions with HAC, former Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez directed his officials to pause the issuing of special exemptions for the Black Hawks. But in September of that year, Rodriguez resigned from the federal cabinet to run for leader of the Quebec Liberal party. He was replaced at transport for about seven months by Anita Anand, now the foreign affairs minister. She was then replaced in the new year by Chrystia Freeland, after Mark Carney became prime minister. Neither Anand nor Freeland has clarified the government's view of the situation or publicly commented on the special exemptions for the Black Hawks. Although the Black Hawk contracts pre-date the re-election earlier this year of U.S. President Donald Trump, Canada's enhanced border patrol is in sync with the White House's escalation of concern about illegal migrants and illegal drugs entering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico and elsewhere. Article content But it's not like there aren't other — even domestic — options beyond Black Hawks. Mitchell says Canada has about 200 companies that offer helicopter services and pilots to fly them. Their collective fleets comprise about 1,700 choppers, many of which might be better suited than Black Hawks for patrol duties because they're smaller and equipped with infra-red cameras that allow them to work in the dark. Governments in Canada, mostly large municipalities, also own about a dozen helicopters. The military and the RCMP also have their own fleets. If the RCMP's own helicopters weren't enough, Mitchell said, it would have no problem finding private contractors to help them patrol. John Arquilla, a long-time defence analyst based in Monterey, Calif., said Black Hawks are mostly used to transport soldiers and other personnel but are considered 'utility' aircraft because of their flexibility. But Black Hawks aren't ideal for patrolling borders, he said, because they're expensive to operate, have limited range and can easily be heard as they approach. Article content Arquilla said the broader problem with using Black Hawks to patrol a massive area such as the Canada-U.S. border is that they would have little effect, particularly compared to a cheaper, more effective technology such as drones. 'I view the whole idea of patrolling borders with helicopters skeptically.' Despite being unwilling to agree to an interview, the RCMP seems to acknowledge that critics of the Black Hawk contracts have valid points. In a Feb. 27 letter to HAC, Commissioner Mike Duheme wrote: 'I acknowledge your concerns with respect to the Blackhawk helicopters and would like to inform you that the RCMP is working with Transport Canada to review the current restrictions from a law enforcement context.' In that same letter, Duheme confirmed that the 'Black Hawks in question became operational in mid-January and are conducting surveillance patrols along the border.' He also explains that the Black Hawks are being used to complement the RCMP's existing fleet of nine helicopters, six of which provide border surveillance and support with cameras capable of thermal imaging, while one is capable of any necessary hoisting. Article content While the RCMP wouldn't agree in recent days to an interview, the force was keen just a few months ago to publicize its new access to the Black Hawks and the enhanced capabilities that were to come with them. In an interview conducted with a television network next to one of the Black Hawks, an RCMP official confirmed that the helicopters were leased with a crew and that the choppers were designed to boost capacity. 'It's really about the ability to move people quickly,' Mathieu Bertrand, the RCMP's Director General of Federal Policing and Border Integrity, told the reporter. 'Things happen quickly on the border.' The issue of certifying the privately-owned Black Hawks has also been a topic of interest at Transport Canada for many months. According to a June, 2024 internal departmental bulletin obtained by National Post, transport was to stop considering applications for 'special certificates of airworthiness' that month. The document warns of increased interest among Canadian operators in using aircraft with the special certificates and that 'this may represent a significant change in the risk environment.' Article content Transport Canada is responsible for the country's transportation policies and programs. The department, known for its emphasis on safety of Canada's road, rail, marine and aviation networks, says it promotes safe, secure, efficient and environmentally responsible transportation. While the Black Hawk was designed for war more than border patrol, the one advantage it may have over other choppers in this regard, is that it's large, well-known and American. Those could be important attributes, HAC's Mitchell says, if Canada's primary goal in the mission is to ensure that the United States saw its neighbour trying to step up its border patrolling efforts in a very visible way. In a June 1 letter to the RCMP, Mitchell writes that the Black Hawks 'offer no technological advantage to the mission profile, only an appearance.' Helicopters are valued for their versatility and mobility. In Canada, they're mostly used in search and rescue, fighting forest fires, helping combat floods, and commercial applications in remote areas such as mining and electrical lines. Article content But five-seat helicopters are typically used for patrol because they're more nimble and cheaper to operate than a larger, 14-seater such as Sikorsky's Black Hawk. According to a February 10 letter by HAC to RCMP Commissioner Duheme, the choppers have not been approved by Canadian or American authorities for civilian purposes. The RCMP's Black Hawk contracts overlap with Carney's vow to increase Canada's military spending so that it reaches the NATO target of 2 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). Carney has also vowed to do more to support Canadian business and to rely less on the U.S. Industry sources say the older Black Hawks were selling in recent months for about $1 million each, as the market became flooded with supply. The market for used helicopters has grown in recent years as the U.S. military has modernized its fleet, including the purchase of a newer model of Black Hawks, called the UH-60M. Article content That has punted a number of older, but still functional Black Hawks to the second-hand market. Prices of new and used aircraft vary widely, depending on a range of factors. But a new five-seat helicopter, including those made in Canada, sells for about $6.5 million, while a new 14-seater, similar in size to the Black Hawks, goes for about $12 million. But the helicopter association says the special exemptions from the usual rules are not fair to Canadian helicopter makers, nor to those Canadian companies that offer helicopter services using certified choppers. Bell Textron, a subsidiary of Fort Worth, Tex.-based Textron, makes commercial helicopters at its Mirabel, Que. facilities. Its lineup of models includes the Bell 412, which could be used for border patrol. Airbus Helicopters Canada, formerly MBB Helicopter Canada, has a 300-employee site at Fort Erie, Ont. That location focuses largely on sales, repair, engineering and composite manufacturing. Article content The Black Hawk, made by Sikorsky Aircraft, is a four-blade, twin-engine, medium-lift chopper in the 'military utility' product niche. Stratford, Conn.-based Sikorsky was founded by the Russian-American aviation pioneer Igor Sikorsky in 1923 and was among the first companies to manufacture helicopters for civilian and military use. The Black Hawk was first conceived in 1972 when its design was submitted for a U.S. Army competition. Carney, meanwhile, issued a statement earlier this month saying that Canada plans to boost its defence spending by $9.3 billion to $54.3 billion. The money will be used on a range of items, including submarines, ships, armoured vehicles and aircraft, as well as new drones and sensors for monitoring the Arctic and seafloor. In the government's latest signal that it intends to create some distance from the U.S. since Trump imposed a wide range of debilitating tariffs on Canadian exports, Carney said Canada wants to reduce how much of its defence budget goes to purchases of American equipment. The prime minister has said that about 75 per cent of Canada's capital spending on defence heads to the U.S. Latest National Stories
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
32 Affordable Swaps For Those Pricey Beauty Products You've Had Your Eye On
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Amazon Promising review: "I ran out of the Drunk Elephant bronzing drops, but I didn't want to spend another forty dollars, so I purchased this instead, and I am so glad I did. I like to mix it with my moisturizer or my tinted sunscreen to give me that bronzed, natural glow. This is exactly like the Drunk Elephant one and I will definitely be repurchasing." —Todd U. Get it from Amazon for $5.99. Promising review: "Better than Clinique! I bought this one on a whim but never liked the real Black Honey Almost Lipstick by Clinique, since it tends to run red on me. This shade, in my opinion, is exactly what Black Honey SHOULD be, as it looks more like Black Honey in pictures. For the price, it can't be beat, so I'm buying more." —HAC Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (also available in the pink honey version, and in a two-pack that mixes both)! Read more about nail care, including how nail strengtheners may help nails, at Mayo Clinic. Promising reviews: "My Dior nail glow ran out and I saw this brand had a [lookalike} for that. I liked this color even more... Excellent everyday, clean-looking polish. Seems stronger than Essie." —reviewer22 "Growing out my nails has always been a challenge for me; I'm guilty of biting and peeling/picking at my nails when I'm nervous. This product has completely changed my nail game. It gives my nails a hard protective coating, and the tint of pink makes even my stubby nails look professional and pretty." —Andi Get it from Amazon for $5.36. Promising reviews: "I looooove this so much. The smell is amazing, and it tends to stick around for a while, so I love getting whiffs of it throughout the day. 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This one has less color options than the Make Up For Ever palette, but it's definitely the best [alternative], and for the price, it works amazingly. The blush and bronzer last hours on my skin — after setting spray, of course. I mix the two blushes on the back of my hand, and it's a good color for me. Also, I recommend warming the product on the back of your hand; that way, it's easier to blend and apply. Even without doing that, it is very easy to blend." —Lorraine Get it from Amazon for $8. The color-adaptive formula is designed so one of four shades will work on any skin tone. Promising review: "I used to use the Becca under-eye product, and this one is way better. You can sheer it out and warm it up on your hand. Don't need to use a lot, and it adds a lot of brightness under concealer." —Ariel O "Took years off my eyes! This product is so reasonably priced. I came across a TikTok promoting this and decided to take a chance since the price was super reasonable. My eyes looked brighter in a good way, and the concealer worked so well that I felt I looked younger. I got compliments from friends asking what I did differently with my makeup. I recommend it." —Monica T. Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades). Promising review: "Since trying this product, I will never go back to anything else. For years, I've been using Better Than Sex by Too Faced, and I absolutely loved it. But as you know, it's at a higher price point. I was looking for a cheaper option that worked the same, if not better. I was pleasantly surprised when I came across this. For me... THIS WORKS BETTER! I've tried both the black and brown options as well as the waterproof options and [I'm] blown away by every one of them!! This is my new favorite mascara! Makes my lashes look like I had them professionally done." —chela1389 Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in black or brown and as a three-pack). Emma Lord / BuzzFeed Watch on TikTok as one user goes from skeptic to believer! BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord considers herself a fan: "I am not a new human to the tubing mascara game, and in fact, I readily spent $26 on the famous OG blend from Blinc every time it needed replacing. I didn't even love it for the length half as much as the fact that tubing mascara like this genuinely never smudges, but can I just say — regardless of price, the formula blows all the others I've tried out of the water. It gives me way more length and volume than other brands, slides on so much more easily, stays put ALL day, and never, ever smudges. My favorite part, though, is how gently and easily it comes off with soap and water. In the past, other mascara removals have felt rough on my lashes, but this comes off so fast that I'm like ??? was I even mascara a minute ago?? Anyway, I hesitate even writing this review because I want to gatekeep the hell out of this before it sells out, but the world needed to know. I'm a big fan of the brown shade (which is what I'm wearing above!), but it also comes in black and soft black." Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in three shades). Promising review: "I bought this and my daughter immediately tried to steal it because she thought it was the real thing. Ha! This is so easy to use and a little goes a long way. This will last for a while. And was a fraction of the price of the brand name." —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in three shades). Promising review: "This stuff is no joke. I like to use one product for my full face for a quick makeup routine, as eyeshadow, blush, and highlight all at once. When I tell you I need exactly two dots for my whole face, I couldn't be more serious! It has a different, more glossy texture than a Rare Beauty blush, but the pigment is much stronger. Comes off very dewy and kind of glossy but can be made matte with powder. The only thing I will say is that if you overwork it, there can be small lifted spots, which happened to me when I first tried it because I used too much and then had to try to blend so much. Already purchased another color. Love E.l.f. makeup!" —oscar Julian zapotitla Get it from Amazon for $6.65+ (available in 12 shades). Promising review: "These are fantastic. I bought all four, and I hope they add more colors. They are giving Patrick Ta, but better, at a fraction of the cost. They really last all day individually, but if you want you can layer them for even more color saturation. The textures are great, easy application. The two pinks are very pigmented and vibrant, so go easy at first. Highly recommend." —Joan A. Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in four shades). Jenae Sitzes / BuzzFeed, Promising review: "This sunscreen is a gem. I was not expecting to love it as much as I do. I absolutely love E.l.f. products, but I rarely try their skincare. Something told me to try this. When I put it on, it gave a smooth silicone finish and feel. I was faithful to Supergoop but didn't want to spend as much as the product is listed for. I will continue to use this sunscreen; it has been one of the best I've ever tried. I've been into skincare since I was 15; I am 37, and for me to say that this product is a gold mine is rare." —Angelina S Get it from Amazon for $5+ (available in two sizes). Promising reviews: "I have used Moroccanoil for years and decided to give this a shot. This is better than Moroccanoil and I will be buying again. It keeps my hair soft and smooth even in summer humidity. Great product." —Caitlin K. "This product is a legit alternative to the Ouai hair oil. They smell identical, they feel exactly the same, and they left my hair shiny and soft. And most importantly it saved me some money for the future." —Brianna Reed Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in packs of two and four). Promising reviews: "Better than Starface!!! These stick extremely well and actually pull out and absorb the gunk. Plus, they come with soooooo many." —chey "I love these and wish they had them around when I was a teenager! I literally use them as facial decorations in addition to hiding blemishes and, my teenage son has no problem wearing them because they effectively minimize zits!!" —Monica LivaClean is a small business specializing in acne solutions and skincare. Get a pack of 240 from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in four shapes/colors and in multipacks). Promising review: "This stuff is absolutely fantastic! Don't let the low price throw you off because this can do better, in my opinion, than 'the elephant stuff'! I had those itty bitty bumps right under my bottom lip on my chin and four days after using this stuff with micro-needling, they were gone! I have always taken good care of my skin and now that I am 43, I am just now realizing that I did a better job than I thought I had. I want to KEEP doing doing good stuff for my skin but not pay a fortune. This formula has a fresh orange-like smell to it and goes on very easily with a dropper. It dries within a minute and soaks in completely. I haven't had any irritation from the product but I had been using 'the elephant stuff' with similar ingredients prior to this, so it could be my skin was used to it. Overall, I am EXTREMELY pleased with this purchase." —AudibleAddicted And SeoulCeuticals is a small biz! Get it from Amazon for $19.98+ (available in two sizes). Promising review: "This is just like the Milk Makeup Cooling Water Stick — but I like it better. It's less than half the price, the packaging is cuter, the smaller applicator makes it easy to get under my eyes — and it smells like clean water and rose petals. It's hydrating, cooling, and non-greasy. It makes you instantly look and feel more awake. Love it." —Janelle Patricia Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in a collagen formula). Promising review: "This stuff is amazing. It has light to medium coverage. It lasts all day. The oils in my skin usually breakdown foundation but this one stays in place and after a little blotting looks good as new... I just recently purchased the Fenty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint in 6 and like it, but I actually prefer the Wet N Wild Tinted Hydrator better. You can buy six of these for the same price as the Fenty. I'm so happy I tried this." —Nancy Get it from Amazon for $5.47+ (available in eight shades and also in packs of two). It's formulated with hyaluronic acid and squalene for a boost of hydration! Promising reviews: "This stuff is so legit I've gone through three bottles. Adds the perfect glow to your skin! Sometimes, I use it under foundation, and sometimes, I use it solo with a bit of concealer. I will never not repurchase it for the price and how beautifully it sits on the skin. This stuff is viral for a reason!!" —mapagill "If you like Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter, this is leaps and bounds better! Just buy it. The coverage is better, [it] makes my skin have the most amazing natural glow! The colors run with a more warm/yellow undertone, which worked great for me! Spend a fraction of the price and just get it; you will be happy you did!" —Amazonreview Get it from Amazon for $11.20+ (available in 12 shades). Amazon Promising review: "Ok, so I absolutely LOVE this stuff! I tried it on a whim after hearing a few different people rave about it. I had tried a similar product from Rhode and was not really 'wowed' by it, but thought it was still a nice product. This milky toner, however, blew me away. I apply it after washing my face with my hands and gently pat it in, and it just leaves a moisturized, dewy finish. I also have recently started mixing it in with my foundation when I apply it to my makeup and it's been a game changer. Since it's winter and I live in the northeast, I have had issues with my foundation being really dry lately — this has solved it. It leaves a beautiful satin finish. For the price point, amount of product, and versatility, you just can't beat it. Will be repurchasing!" —talon12 Get it from Amazon for $14.99. Promising reviews: "I have the Dior lip oil, and I actually like this one better! It leaves my lips softer and leaves the perfect tint on my lips. Sometimes I combine with a lipstick for extra color." —Emily R. "I really like this and the applicator! It's so fun and cute. I like the texture and the feel of it on my lips. It feels thicker, and it doesn't come off too quickly. I got the color supermodel. It's not too pink like it looks and I wanted it to be natural, so it's perfect. Will be repurchasing." —Martha R. Get it from Amazon for $6.91+ (available in 14 shades). Promising review: "Okay so first nothing will make you 'poreless,' but this stuff is amazing. Will even out fine lines and help with super porous areas; my T-zone [has really visible] pores and this definitely gave me a boost in confidence. I would highly recommend. Especially to those not to familiar with makeup, this is a game changer. Honestly it works better than my $30 primer from Urban Decay and lasts all day. I am oily so I usually blot some powder on later in the day but if you have dry skin this could be the ultimate game changer!" —Olivia Get it from Amazon for $10. Promising review: "I have tried IGK, Living Proof, Not Your Mother's, Amika, and so many others but THIS LASTS THE LONGEST! I am impressed by this product. Don't listen to the haters because I have severely fine and oily hair and this product allows me to last for one week without washing and it gives me volume..." —473X Get it from Amazon for $12.59+ (available in the original six shades and various pack sizes). Amazon Promising reviews: "Love this product. I always use it, and I am a sweaty person 😅 I sweat easily.. not even kidding. I compare it to the One Size and I have to say that I do like this one much better. It really doesn't budge." —Zully B "This works just as well as the One Size. I have very oily skin and need a high-quality setting spray, and this one works amazing! Skip the expensive one and try this!!" —Shopgirl Get it from Amazon for $10.98 (also available in a pack of two). Bek O'Connell / BuzzFeed This is designed to work on all hair types, with reviewers with 2b–4c curls mentioning it worked for them! Promising review: "This stuff is AMAZING. I have been bleaching my hair for 12 years. My hair has never looked or felt better before using this. It is so soft and shiny... only using this once a week. It has worked better on my hair than Olaplex or other expensive treatments. I'll never use anything else!" —Craig Check out BuzzFeed's full review of the Elizavecca hair treatment for more deets! Get a bottle from Amazon for $7.60. Amazon, Promising reviews: "This stuff literally saved my skin! I started using it daily. Especially after gym sessions. My skin started clearing up and I have used it every day and I have never looked back. This has become a staple in my skincare routine. I use it after toner and before serum in the morning and then I spray it after the gym. It's better than the Tower 28 one." —Shay G. "Does the EXACT same as Tower28 for a fraction of the price! I love it, my face feels refreshed. Highly recommend, no shade to Tower28, they are great, but this is cheaper and if you're on a budget, use this alternative! Great for after work, the gym, or existing in these hot summer months. If you have sensitive skin, it's gentle." —Paul R. Get it from Amazon for $17.46. It comes with a smoothing nozzle, styling nozzle, and diffuser nozzle. Promising reviews: "Great powerful hair dryer. Great price too. Have had Dysons in the past and nothing but trouble with them. This is far better and very affordable, and no problems with it. (Retired hairdresser)." —bamzee "Purchased this dryer to help dry my granddaughter's type 4C hair. Drys quickly and cuts down on her squirming. She hates having her hair done. Shortened the drying time significantly. Would recommend." —Jiggilypuff Get it from Amazon for $28.49+ (available in eight colors). Promising reviews: "This lip balm is as smooth as butta, and not to mention smells great. I apply it at night and wake up with soft, hydrated, plump lips. Bonus: if you apply hyaluronic acid on your lips beforehand — chef's kiss. As for the price, I wish it had way more product, but it is cheaper than the Laneige lip mask and way better, in my humble opinion." —María "This lip balm is a great alternative if you do not want to pay a ton of money for the Laneige and Summer Fridays lip balms. It is super moisturizing and left my lips super smooth and soft. One of the best e.l.f. products I have tried and it is a wonderful price. Even though it is pretty small, it lasts a good amount of time. I would definitely recommend." —Lance Z. Get it from Amazon for $4 (available in five styles). Promising reviews: "Love this! In my opinion, better than Laneige at a fraction of the price. A bit thicker, which I like. Even though it's a sleeping mask, I use it throughout the day to keep my lips moist and soft. Will keep ordering again and again." —Michaela "This is the most moisturizing lip treatment on the market. When my lips started getting dry due to the cold season, I was thinking of buying the Laneige lip mask, but it's soooo expensive. This is a fraction of the cost and feels just the same. Very good product." —Riya Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.90 (available in five scent combos). Amazon Promising reviews: "Love these better than my glow recipe! Better because it doesn't have the smell... Makes my skin feel amazing and so juicy! Great value for the money." —Tiffany T. "I've used Glow Recipe's Watermelon Dew Drops, and while I liked the product I wasn't too fond of the strong scent or the price point. The texture, finish, and feel of this product is pretty much identical, but without the fragrance and at a better value. Smooth, absorbs quickly, works well as a lightweight primer that doesnt pill with makeup, and subtly evens skin tone over time." —K.C. Get it from Amazon for $11.97. Promising reviews: "I was gifted the Hanacure masks and loved them, but they're just way too pricey. I heard SO many wonderful things about the Skin 1004 Zombie Mask... Let me tell you, this mask is just straight up magic. I didn't notice any changes to my skin immediately, but a few hours later when I looked in the mirror, I was shocked at how wonderful my skin looked. I've never noticed a difference like this. Hanacure who?!??... This Zombie mask is every bit as magical, with better results in my opinion... Bottom line, this is better than Hanacure, both price and results-wise." —Dana D. Get a box of eight masks from Amazon for $19.43. Promising reviews: "I've tried just about every eyebrow gel on the market, from high-end to drugstore. This is not only [an alternative] for Benefit's brow gel and Glossier Boy Brow, it's better! So much better and way cheaper." —Amazon Customer "OK, I was skeptical as I love my ABH Brow Freeze. But a friend did my makeup and used it and I was really impressed. So, I got some and played with it on my own. It is so much smoother to glide through my brows. I work it through back and front, then again with a clean spoolie. I LOVE the results. It also washes out really well (even if I don't use a makeup wipe)." —Miss Jordan Get it from Amazon for $9.90+ (available in five shades). Amazon, New to cleansing balms? Start by warming the product up with your dry fingertips, massage in circular motions on dry skin, then rinse with lukewarm water. If using as part of a double cleansing routine, follow this up with a water-based facial cleanser. Promising review: "I've loved the Farmacy Green Clean for many years, but at $30+ for a jar that lasts 1–2 months max, it was a pricey product to buy on a regular basis. I wanted something just as good at a lower price, and I FOUND IT! This cleanser absolutely melts away makeup and deep cleans the skin without any drying or eye irritation! It smells great, and a little goes a loooonng way — I'm in love!" —Amazon Customer Juno & Co. is a small business specializing in personal care and skincare products. Get it from Amazon for $14.99. Reviews here have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Al Etihad
08-06-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
Emirates Red Crescent supports Eid clothing project in Yemen's Hodeidah, Taiz
8 June 2025 14:12 HODEIDAH (WAM) The Humanitarian Action Cell (HAC), with the support of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), has implemented the Eid Clothing Project for the fifth consecutive year in Yemen's Hodeidah and Taiz governorates. The initiative aims to provide Eid garments to 35,000 families, including the poor, the sick, orphans, and displaced persons in both regions.
