The Government of Canada supports stronger and more collaborative federal science, to ensure scientists and researchers have access to the world-class facilities and tools they need to achieve scientific excellence and innovation.

“Fisheries and Oceans Canada is a world-leader in ocean science. With the official opening of the Facility for Intelligent Marine Systems we are expanding our ocean research capacity through state-of-the-art equipment. This will also allow for greater collaboration between our scientists and researchers, along with those from Natural Resources Canada and the Department of National Defence.”

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“Outstanding work in ocean science takes place at the Bedford Institute for Oceanography in Dartmouth, and the Facility for Intelligent Marine Systems is a testament to that incredible work. We’re investing in cutting-edge technology and equipment to empower and enable Fisheries and Oceans Canada scientists to explore new parts of the ocean and further scientific discoveries.”

Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour

“Through Our North, Strong and Free, we have made clear that our most important job is to protect Canadian sovereignty, especially in our Arctic region. This new facility will provide our defence scientists with state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment, boosting their ability to develop innovative solutions in support of our Arctic sovereignty. Through this investment and our defence policy update, we are taking action to protect our North from new and emerging security challenges.”

The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence

“This investment in the Bedford Institute of Oceanography reflects our commitment to ensuring that Canada remains at the forefront of research and innovation. By making our facilities greener, we continue to demonstrate our strong commitment to increasing the climate-resilience of our assets and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.”

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement

“Natural Resources Canada is pleased to participate in announcing the opening of the Facility for Intelligent Marine Systems. This green facility is an opportunity for Canada’s scientific researchers to work collaboratively, using state-of-the-art equipment and data collection platforms to assess the conditions of Canada’s marine life and underwater geography. This work will help us effectively meet our research goals to manage the country’s landmass, observe Canada’s marine environment, and create a stronger science-based future for all Canadians.”

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

• The Facility for Intelligent Marine Systems can accommodate 45 to 50 researchers and employees from DFO, NRCan and DND’s science and technology organization, Defence Research and Development Canada.

• FIMS is the first collaborative science facility of its kind on Canada’s East Coast.

Associated links

• Underwater detection
• Bedford Institute of Oceanography
• Canada’s NORAD Modernization Plan

Jérémy Collard
Press Secretary 
Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard 
Jeremy.Collard@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Maritimes Region
902-407-8439
Media.MaritimesRegion@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Diana Ebadi     
Press Secretary and Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Diana.Ebadi@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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