Government of Canada supports sustainable and culturally respectful resource development

Federal funding will allow University of Lethbridge to acquire a 3D data collection sensor, and develop an environmental and cultural monitoring project

April 24, 2019 – Lethbridge, Alberta – Western Economic Diversification Canada

Supporting sustainable and culturally respectful resource development boosts economic growth and creates well-paying jobs for all Canadians.

The University of Lethbridge is receiving over $1.6 million in funding towards two projects to support sustainable and culturally respectful resource development. The announcement was made today by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD).

An investment of $1,195,805 will support the purchase of the Titan multi-spectral LIDAR (MSL) imaging system, a one-of-a-kind airborne 3D data collection sensor that will enable industry and academia to obtain data and capture high accuracy 3D images over long distances through traditionally inaccessible terrain, such as forest canopy and below water. This equipment will complement the University of Lethbridge’s nationally unique Ecosystem Diagnostic Imaging (EDI) facility to enhance market readiness and validate MSL capabilities for companies in sectors such as oil and gas, forestry, and agriculture. The project is anticipated to create 20 jobs for highly qualified personnel and assist 50 small- and medium-sized businesses. This investment demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to promoting growth, long-term prosperity, innovation, and global competitiveness.

The University of Lethbridge, with co-management support from the Piikani First Nation (PFN), is also receiving $432,184 to develop and implement community-based environmental monitoring that integrates traditional Indigenous knowledge with emerging environmental monitoring technologies. Indigenous graduate and undergraduate students from the University will be recruited as team leads to 15 Piikani youth who will be trained to collect, store, and manage environmental and cultural data under the guidance of Elders. The project will increase PFN’s capacity to take advantage of environmental monitoring business and employment opportunities generated by regional natural resource extraction and industrial development. With this investment, the Government is taking concrete action to advance reconciliation and make a better future for Indigenous Peoples and all Canadians.

Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan aims to build an economy in which Canadians have access to high-quality jobs and Canadian businesses are well-placed to participate in a rapidly evolving and competitive global marketplace.