OTTAWA, Ontario, February 8, 2007 -- The Honourable David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, on behalf of the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry, today announced a $9.7 million repayable investment for research and development (R&D) in advanced earth-surveillance systems. The funding is part of a $32.2 million initiative undertaken by MacDonald, Dettwiler & Associates Inc. (MDA) to develop technology for homeland security and national defence.
"Canada is a global leader in satellite and airborne earth surveillance technologies and this investment will further enhance our reputation," said Minister Emerson. "The Government of Canada recognizes the world-class ability of our aerospace and defence industry to conduct innovative research and development."
This announcement supports the government's long-term economic plan, Advantage Canada, that creates opportunities for Canadian businesses and organizations to thrive while creating a knowledge advantage of an educated, flexible workforce.
With this project, MDA will strengthen its capability to merge surveillance information collected by multiple satellite and airborne platforms, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), thereby assisting Canada in meeting its defence and security commitments. Using an advanced design concept, MDA will improve the quality and speed of planning and decision-making associated with multi-platform surveillance missions. Recent world events and Canada's northern and offshore sovereignty needs have increased demand for advanced intelligence and surveillance systems that deliver these capabilities.
"We are pleased to be partnering with the Government of Canada on this project," said Daniel E. Friedmann, President and CEO, MDA. "The applied research of this project will increase our core knowledge and capabilities in surveillance information systems."
MDA works closely with many major universities across the country. This collaboration includes a broad range of cooperative activities and the participation in joint research projects such as this one.
This Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC) repayable investment was contracted prior to the expiration of TPC's terms and conditions on December 31, 2006, using a new model contribution agreement that emphasizes enhanced transparency and accountability.
See backgrounder for further details on this project.
For more information, please contact:
Isabelle Fontaine
Office of the Honourable Maxime Bernier
Minister of Industry
(613) 995-9001
Media Relations
Industry Canada
(613) 943-2502
The news release and other documents are available on the Technology Partnerships Canada website at http://www.tpc-ptc.ic.gc.ca.
Backgrounder
Canada's New Government Announces Repayable Investment
in Advanced Earth Surveillance Technology
Canada's New Government is making a repayable investment of $9.7 million in a $32.3 million research and development (R&D) initiative for advanced earth-surveillance systems. The technology will be used in defence and homeland security markets.
The main competitive advantage of Canada's aerospace and defence industry is the ongoing commitment to technological development. These new technologies will benefit our economy while contributing to the further development of this vital national industry.
This initiative will merge existing satellite and airborne surveillance capabilities with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), to produce an integrated surveillance solution. Since 2001, radar and optical satellites and UAVs have played an increasing role in the war on terrorism. For example, UAVs are now deployed to carry a variety of high precision sensors and have the capability of remaining over an area of interest for long periods of time.
Through this repayable investment, a software platform will be created that cross-references and integrates complementary sets of data, which then can be collectively used as a complete body of knowledge about a wide surveillance area. The software will combine intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance information collected from manned and unmanned aircraft and from multiple satellites to provide accurate situational awareness.
The demand for this technology is strong and the resulting economic benefits to Canada are many. The capabilities developed in this project will be transferred to Canadian industry through the MDA supply chain. This work will also benefit the broader Canadian defence supplier sector. For example, as the project progresses, MDA plans to use the flight test range facilities in southwestern Alberta, which represents one of the benefits to the defence industry in Canada.
MDA, Canadian-owned and headquartered in Richmond BC, was federally incorporated in 1969. The company operates internationally through 17 significant wholly owned subsidiaries and employs 1,822 people in Canada and approximately 3,100 worldwide. This project will be conducted by MDA's Information Systems business.
This Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC) repayable investment was contracted prior to the expiration of TPC's terms and conditions on December 31, 2006, using a new model contribution agreement that emphasizes enhanced transparency and accountability.
