OTTAWA, October 26, 2004 -- Dr. Keith Martin, Member of Parliament for Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca, on behalf of the Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry, today announced a $1.5-million investment designed to improve forecasting in marine operations. This Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC) investment is part of a $4.8-million project being undertaken by Sidney, British Columbia-based AXYS Technologies Inc. to develop technologies for enhanced real-time monitoring of the ocean environment. "The Government of Canada is strongly committed to encouraging environmental stewardship in all industries," said Minister Emerson. "Investments in small and medium-sized enterprises, such as AXYS Technologies Inc., enable Canadian companies to develop new tools to ensure the sustainability of our marine industry." "Safe, healthy, and productive oceans and waterways are a priority for Canadians," said Dr. Martin. "This initiative addresses many of the key environmental issues facing the marine sector today." "Our oceans represent one of our greatest natural resources, and with that comes a profound responsibility," said the Honourable David Anderson, Member of Parliament for Victoria. "The Government of Canada has committed, through the Oceans Action Plan, to continuing to safeguard the health and sustainability of our oceans and waterways." Under the proposed project, AXYS Technologies Inc. will develop a range of component, sub-system and system capabilities that support underwater marine data networks (MDNs). MDNs generate and transfer data from underwater sensors to offshore or onshore platforms for processing and interpretation. The development of new technologies in this area allows significant environmental mapping through improved detection and identification of environmental threats to waterways. This real-time technology also offers advances in monitoring ship traffic and developing weather conditions, greatly improving navigation and safety at sea. "Our cutting-edge technology is at the forefront of subsea and ocean data collection and dissemination," said Harry Weiler, President and Chief Executive Officer of AXYS Technologies Inc. "This investment will position AXYS for strong growth in its sub-sector, establishing its unique and leading capabilities." "This project will significantly advance the network of marine technology expertise in Canada," said Ronald Newhook, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Centre for Marine Communications, a centre of expertise in marine information and communications technology. "Facilitating strategic partnerships between industry, research centres, academia and government fosters growth within the Canadian marine sector." Technology Partnerships Canada is a key instrument for advancing the commercialization of research and development, and an essential partner in economic development for Canadian businesses. Working in partnership with innovative companies across Canada, TPC shares in the cost of private sector technology projects in aerospace and defence, environmental technologies, and enabling technologies in areas such as information and communications and biotechnology. - 30 - For more information, please contact: Stéphanie Leblanc Office of the Honourable David L. Emerson Minister of Industry Canada (613) 995-9001 Media Relations Industry Canada (613) 943-2502 The news release and other documents are available on the Technology Partnerships Canada Web site at http://tpc.ic.gc.ca, and on the Offshore Systems International Web site at http://www.osil.com. Backgrounder Government of Canada Invests in Environmental and Ocean Monitoring Technologies of AXYS Technologies Inc. Technology Partnerships Canada has made an investment in the advanced development of environmental and ocean monitoring technologies. With this $1.5-million investment in a $4.8-million project, AXYS Technologies Inc. will proceed with the development of technologies for enhanced real-time monitoring of the ocean environment and improved forecasting ability for marine operations. In order to solve increasingly complex environmental issues faced by the marine sector, new technologies are emerging for improved monitoring of oceans and waterways. This groundbreaking initiative will develop a range of component, sub-system and system capabilities that support underwater marine data networks (MDNs). MDNs generate and transfer data from underwater sensors to offshore or onshore platforms for processing and interpretation. This technology will provide advanced warning of severe weather phenomena and will improve navigation and safety at sea. Benefits include reduced ship fuel consumption, and the ability to identify and track oil spills and ships discharging pollutants into the sea. The project will also position AXYS for non-marine applications of MDNs, including toxic dumpsite management, roadway and airport weather monitoring, and air quality management. The Government of Canada is committed to continued development and innovation within the industrial marine sector. This investment affirms Canada¿s commitment to safe, healthy waterways. With widespread applications across the industry, these new technologies offer enhanced overall real-time monitoring of ship traffic, ocean activities, marine operating equipment and developing weather conditions. Based in Sidney, British Columbia, AXYS Technologies Inc. is a leader in subsea and ocean data collection and dissemination. A privately held company, it was incorporated in British Columbia in 1982 and is part of the AXYS Group of companies. AXYS Technologies Inc. currently employees 22 people in the design, manufacturing, installation and servicing of marine technology devices. It holds many partnerships with universities, governments and other specialist companies in marine sciences, and plays an important role in British Columbia¿s ocean technology sector.
