Federal investment to grow aerospace industry in Calgary
by CM staff
PrairiesCan will invest four million to establish an Aerospace Innovation Hub and a remotely-piloted aviation training centre.
Minister Vandal announces federal investment to grow aerospace industry in Calgary (CNW Group/Prairies Economic Development Canada)
CALGARY — The Government of Canada is investing in Alberta’s aerospace businesses and the organizations that support them to help enhance the industry’s competitiveness, create jobs and diversify Alberta’s economy.
Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan, announced a federal investment of over $4,000,000 for two projects that will further bolster Calgary’s leadership and reputation as a centre of excellence and innovation in the aerospace sector.
“Calgary’s post-secondary institutions are playing a vital role in supporting the growth of Alberta’s aerospace sector,” said Minister Vandal. “Our government’s investment in these two initiatives at the University of Calgary and SAIT will help enhance the competitiveness of Alberta’s aerospace industry by enabling local businesses to bring new products and services to the global market and create good-paying jobs in Calgary.”
Over $2.5 million will enable the University of Calgary to establish an Aerospace Innovation Hub. This new hub will provide start-ups and existing small- and medium-sized firms with technology development support, prototyping services, and access to testing equipment. This project is expected to create approximately 50 jobs, train 50 participants and directly benefit 25 small- and medium-sized firms.
Over $1.4 million will support Canada’s first remotely-piloted aviation training centre for heavy-lift drones training, maintenance, and certification at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). The centre is playing a key role in enabling the adoption of heavy-lift drone technology by creating one of the most advanced training and certification centres in North America. The project is expected to create approximately 45 jobs and train 110 participants.
Both projects will enhance the growth of aerospace and advanced manufacturing businesses and fill gaps in training for specially-trained pilots and mechanics. In total, the investments are expected to lead to nearly 100 new jobs and train 160 participants.
“Our government is growing Canada’s aerospace industry from coast to coast, that is why we are investing in Calgary’stalented innovators to support of the development the next generation of aerospace technologies and create high-value jobs for Calgarians,” said François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
