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RCMP still searching the sea for Olympic ships

By Bob Mackin, 24 hours December 3, 2008 09:00 am 2 comments

The Mounties are cruising for bidders again.

The RCMP Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit said yesterday it is seeking a company to co-ordinate and manage cruise ship accommodations for the 2010 Winter Olympics security force at Ballantyne Pier in Vancouver.

At least 1,100 beds are needed for cops and troops beginning Jan. 12, 2010. The requirement balloons to 5,300 beds for the peak Jan. 28-March 2, 2010 period.

The solicitation says there is "limited flexibility" to adjust dates and bed quantities, but "slightly different" arrival and departure dates and vessels may be considered. Dec. 18 is the bid deadline.

The floating hotel proposal resurfaced after the RCMP cancelled a $57-million contract with North Carolina charter agency Cruise Connections on Nov. 19.

In June, the RCMP told media the contract was worth $37.4 million.

Bob Mackin reports for Vancovuer's 24 hours.

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2 Comments:

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  • Dave A

    3 years ago

    RCMP

    Are the Canadian taxpayers on the hook for this expense ($55M-US), as I understand that a "break fee" for the full amount of the contract, is being paid to the cruise line company after the deal was cancelled?

  • PeteL

    3 years ago

    Employment Standards Act?

    The question is will these cruise ship employee's be subject to Canadian employment standards?

    The vessels will be fixed objects. It occurs to me that they should be guaranteed minimum wages! They are being charted as hotels / accommodation, not cruises

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