The company supplying the 212's from Canada is Wildcat Helicopters out of Kelowna, BC. A superb company run by Mike and Ian. Ian is from downunder and both guys are really good people. They are bringing Canadian pilots because they are very very good at what they do. WC chases fires in Canada all season and their expertise are second to none in the world.
The use of the longline for the bucket is redundant in this application since the contract with HeliAust calls for the belly tank. Lets not get into the belly tank VS bucket argument but the better solution is the bucket by a country mile. Especially under the guidance of these pilots.
WC is also to train a bunch of HeliAust pilots on the aircraft as well, but the primary pilots are going to be the Canuk guys or any Antipodeans known and trusted to WC.
Instead of complaining about the Canadians coming over, perhaps we should be happy that Aussie is getting the best to offer.
I would be more perturbed why the authorities are not allowing the buckets to be fitted and allowing these guys to do what they do best. Seems politics and impressions to the public overwelm commonsence yet again.