Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to congratulate Alcatel on once again winning a significant international contract.
Alcatel Transport Solutions Division, based in my riding, was selected to design and supply major improvements and upgrades to the London underground to meet increased passenger demands on its tube lines. Known around the world, the London underground is that city's major mass transit system. This important contract is worth $650 million and is expected to take more than seven years to complete. It will provide jobs in both Toronto and Burnaby, B.C.
Already a major supplier of automated controls for transit systems in Asia, this contract reinforces Alcatel's reputation as the world's largest supplier and developer of high capacity automated train control systems.
I am proud that a Canadian company is leading the competition in this significant area of research and development. This is a big win for Canada.
Congratulations to the team at Alcatel on its continued success.