April 14, 2014 – Victoria, British Columbia – Western Economic Diversification Canada
Corresponding Document: Photo Gallery
The Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, was in Victoria today to announce a federal investment of $9,127,000 through the Western Diversification Program. This investment will support the development of Ocean Networks Canada’s (ONC) Smart Oceans BC program.
The project will add small scale underwater observatories, high frequency coastal radars and an Automatic Identification System to ONC’s existing marine observatory footprint including near Port Metro Vancouver, Campbell River, Kitimat, the Douglas Channel waterway, as well as Prince Rupert.
This expanded footprint will contribute to the Harper Governments commitment to responsible resource development by helping to prevent accidents, responding to situations as they arise, predicting and warning of natural hazards, and improving overall marine operational situational awareness.
As a further component of this project IBM is developing a system to monitor the data streams from the hundreds of sensors that are being expanded as part of the Smart Oceans BC program. Improved data collection will allow modeling systems to better support disaster planning. In addition, highly qualified personnel will be trained in ocean analytics.
Additionally, SMEs will gain access to technology demonstrations and commercialization assistance, as well as international business development services offered by the ONC Innovation Centre.
Emily Goucher
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Western Economic Diversification
Telephone: 613-954-8097
Email: emily.goucher@wd-deo.gc.ca
Virginia Keast
Media Relations and Communications
Ocean Networks Canada
Victoria, BC
Telephone: 250-853-3538
Email: vkeast@uvic.ca
Leslie Plant
Media Relations
IBM
Telephone: 416-478-9840
Email: laplant@ca.ibm.com