Government of Canada invests in new Canadian innovation to light up ships through Build in Canada Innovation Program

From: Public Services and Procurement Canada

News Release

For immediate release

September 5, 2017 - Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador - Public Services and Procurement Canada

The Government of Canada is committed to growing the economy and strengthening the middle class. By matching innovations with government needs, the Build in Canada Innovation Program supports Canadian companies in moving their products from the testing phase to the marketplace, and helps create sustainable economic growth for communities across Canada.

The Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for St. John's South–Mount Pearl, today announced that the Government of Canada is investing in innovative Naval LED Lighting Solution fixtures designed for navy vessels.

Marine Industrial Lighting Systems Ltd. received a contract worth over $1 million for its innovative Naval LED Lighting Solution fixtures. The product is designed to replace traditional fluorescent lights on combat navy vessels. Standard fluorescent lighting units that are currently used in warships consume a large amount of energy, require frequent changing and produce hazardous waste. This LED innovation uses approximately half of the energy of existing lighting systems, with no requirement to dispose of hazardous waste. It also has a long life span, is almost maintenance-free and does not require any space to store spare bulbs.

The innovation is being tested by National Defence on Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Toronto, a Halifax-class frigate, and the initial installation is 90% complete.

This investment was made through the Build in Canada Innovation Program, which helps Canadian innovators land their first sale and get their innovations tested by the Government of Canada. The program is just one of the many ways the Government of Canada supports innovation and small and medium-sized businesses across Canada.

Quotes

“Through the Build in Canada Innovation Program, the government is supporting companies like Marine Industrial Lighting Systems Ltd. by matching their innovative products with government needs. The Build in Canada Innovation Program helps companies find a crucial first customer, while departments get early access to useful state-of-the-art technologies.”

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough
Minister of Public Services and Procurement

“We can be proud of having local businesses with cutting-edge technologies such as Marine Industrial Lighting System Ltd., which is leveraging the Build in Canada Innovation Program to create economic opportunities and quality jobs for the middle class here in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

The Honourable Seamus O'Regan
Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

“I am proud that National Defence is demonstrating leadership by taking meaningful action towards protecting the environment. We are testing the new Naval LED Lighting Solution, a new Canadian technology that will save energy and reduce waste. Updating these light fixtures will also provide our women and men in uniform with a more comfortable and safe environment when aboard our vessels.”

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan
Minister of National Defence

“Lighting is always taken for granted until it is lost. Nowhere is it more critical to have reliable, energy-efficient lighting than on board our Canadian navy ships to support the operations of our navy personnel. Marine Industrial Lighting Systems Ltd. is very pleased to provide a new state-of-the-art product to improve onboard lighting systems for our navy.”

Sid Cox
President and General Manager
Marine Industrial Lighting Systems Ltd.

Quick Facts

Marine Industrial Lighting Systems Ltd. has been operating for 17 years in the field of specialized marine and industrial lighting applications, on the doorstep of Canada’s harsh North Atlantic. Its management team prides itself on being able to provide custom lighting solutions that differ from standard “off-the shelf” products.
The company’s Naval LED Lighting Solution has light configuration and other features such as motion detection switching and controlled dimming.
By using significantly less power in the form of fuel, it reduces costs and environmental impacts.
A total of 12 contracts have been awarded to Newfoundland and Labrador companies, for a total value of more than $7.2 million.
More than 257 contracts have been awarded under the Build in Canada Innovation Program, bringing Canadian companies one step closer to selling to domestic and international markets.
More than $111 million has been awarded in contracts since the Build in Canada Innovation Program began in 2010.

Associated Links

Build in Canada Innovation Program

Contacts

Mary-Rose Brown
Office of the Honourable Carla Qualtrough
819-997-5421

Media Relations
Public Services and Procurement Canada
819-420-5501
media@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca

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Date modified:: 2017-09-05