Supporting Small Businesses in Atlantic Canada

News Release

New investments created in Newfoundland and Labrador-based company specializing in wireless charging technology

February 17, 2015 – Ottawa – Industry Canada

The Government of Canada's military procurement policies have led to investment in a small Newfoundland and Labrador firm.

Solace Power Inc. of Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador, will receive financial and technical support from The Boeing Company to develop and demonstrate its wireless charging technology. Solace has developed the capability to recharge unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in flight through wireless electrical energy. This will enable UAVs to travel further from station and stay in the air for longer periods of time.

Boeing is making this investment as part of its Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy obligations resulting from the Government's December 2014 purchase of a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.

Quick facts

This is the first use of the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy's Investment Framework tool. This tool directly benefits small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) by encouraging prime contractors on Government of Canada defence procurements to invest in the research, development and commercialization activities of smaller Canadian firms.
The ITB Policy encourages companies to establish or grow their presence in Canada, strengthen Canadian supply chains and develop Canadian industrial capabilities, while providing Canadian-based SMEs with access to global supply chains.
Defence procurement plays a major role in the Canadian economy. The Canadian defence sector includes over 650 firms, employs more than 65,000 full-time workers and contributes $9.4 billion to Canada's gross domestic product.
The Government of Canada is focused on ensuring that Canadian innovation in the aerospace, defence and security industries remains at the forefront of development. The Value Proposition, announced as part of the Defence Procurement Strategy in February 2014, incentivizes research and development as well as increases export potential.
Canadian exports of aircraft and of aircraft engines and parts reached a near-record high of $10.8 billion in 2013, a 5.4-percent increase from the previous year.

Quotes

"Our government's top priorities are the economy and creating jobs and opportunities for Canadian families. This investment shows that our policies are working. By leveraging government procurements to benefit Canadian businesses, we are creating economic growth. Our Defence Procurement Strategy creates opportunity for small firms like Solace, helping them to further develop their technology, forge important business relationships and open up new markets for their products."
– James Moore, Minister of Industry

"The Government of Canada's policies continue to benefit the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. Thanks to this investment from Boeing, a Newfoundland and Labrador small business will see greater opportunities for growth and will have the chance to improve its already impressive technology."
– The Honourable David M. Wells, Senator, Newfoundland and Labrador

"Boeing brings value to Canadian companies of all sizes through collaborations that take advantage of our capabilities across commercial aerospace, defence, advanced research and development, and more. Our focus on building relationships with small enterprises like Solace can lead to innovations that not only develop unique technologies but also promote long-term growth for Canadian companies."
– Jim Barnes, Director of Business Development in Canada, Boeing Defense, Space & Security

"We are extremely excited about our new relationship with Boeing. The ITB–Industry Canada program gives companies like ours an opportunity to work with exceptional partners to bring innovative technologies to market. Solace's wireless power technology can bring real, tangible value to many of Boeing's products, and we look forward to working with them, and other industry-leading companies, to advance their business through technology innovations."
– Neil Chaulk, Vice-President of Business Development, Solace Power

Associated links

Contacts

Jake Enwright
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Industry
343-291-2500

Media Relations
Industry Canada
343-291-1777
media-relations@ic.gc.ca

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