Research project will involve UNB partnering with Moncton Flight College to train next generation of drone operators
February 11, 2015 – Dieppe, New Brunswick – Industry Canada
Robert Goguen, Member of Parliament for Moncton–Riverview–Dieppe and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice, and the Honourable Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology), were at Moncton Flight College today to celebrate a recent investment of $98,271 in the University of New Brunswick for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone research project. This is part of the federal government's investment of $27 million for tools and infrastructure at 37 universities across Canada through the Canada Foundation for Innovation's John R. Evans Leaders Fund.
Professor Howard Li and his research team are developing new UAV equipment to measure, monitor and manage Canada's forests. These vehicles will be able to monitor pest outbreak and take aerial surveys in a more cost-effective manner and with less risk to Canadians and the environment. Collaboration with a number of local stakeholders and industry partners, such as Forest Protection Limited and Moncton Flight College, will be an integral part of the project.
As applications for UAVs continue to expand, the demand for highly skilled personnel will grow. As such, Moncton Flight College will be collaborating with Professor Li's team on training, leading the way in developing a certification program for the next generation of UAV operators in Atlantic Canada.
Scott French
Director of Communications and Parliamentary Affairs
Office of the Minister of State (Science and Technology)
343-291-2700
Michael Bhardwaj
Media Relations
Canada Foundation for Innovation
613-943-5346 (office)
613-222-1910 (mobile)
Michael.bhardwaj@innovation.ca
Media Relations
Industry Canada
343-291-1777
media-relations@ic.gc.ca
