Saturday August 6, 2022 | VANCOUVER ISLAND, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
The Innovative Centre for Aerospace Research at the University of Victoria received $1.5 million from Economic Development Canada this week — of $7.5 million supporting British Columbia’s aerospace sector — to develop hybrid electric propulsion systems to reduce environmental impacts and improve aircraft endurance.
The announcement was made by the Hon. Harjit S Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, in an address to attendees of the 2022 Aerospace, Defence & Security Expo on August 3 in Vancouver.
BC is one of the largest aerospace clusters in Canada with over 200 companies operating in the sector. Each year, the Aerospace, Defence and Security Expo (ADSE) brings together industry stakeholders to network and capitalize on opportunities in domestic and international markets.
The announcement itemized funding of over $7.5 million under the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI) for three BC organizations: Avcorp Industries, Inc., University of Victoria, and Chinook Helicopters, Inc. The funding announced today will help the three organizations to innovate, commercialize technologies, and improve global competitiveness while creating 110 jobs in BC’s aerospace sector.
During his remarks, Minister Sajjan reaffirmed his support for ADSE and underscored the importance of Canada’s aerospace and defense sectors to the B.C. economy. PacifiCan provides funding to the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) to deliver ADSE and support western Canada’s aerospace and defense industries at home and abroad.
“PacifiCan is committed to building an inclusive and dynamic economy that ensures that all areas receive the support they need to prosper. My agency has long been a committed advocate of a thriving BC aerospace sector and we will continue to work with this industry to promote growth, innovation and an increased presence on the competitive global stage,” said Sajjan.
PacifiCan is the dedicated federal regional economic development agency for British Columbia and plays a key role in supporting the aerospace industry. This includes working with local stakeholders to leverage economic opportunities associated with federal defence procurements under the Government of Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITBs) policy.
“Canada’s aerospace sector remains the most innovative industry and a key driver of our nation’s economy providing nearly 200,000 jobs in every region of Canada. These projects, and the support of the Government of Canada, will ensure our aerospace industry continues to contribute to the economic recovery from the COVID19 pandemic. We look forward to continued collaboration as we set a course for a long-term vision and plan for decades to come,” said Mike Mueller, President and CEO, Aerospace Industries Association of Canada.
Projects being funded:
Organization: Chinook Helicopters (1982), Inc.
Project description: Develop and commercialize a Virtual Reality Training and Simulation system
Funding: $1,171,800
Organization: Avcorp Industries Inc.
Project description: Adopt digital technologies to create efficiencies and enhance productivity
Funding: $4,862,250
Organization: University of Victoria
Project description: Develop Hybrid Electric Propulsion Systems
Funding: $1,500,000
Total funding: $7,534,050
Pacific Economic Development Canada – quick facts:
- The Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI) will help the Canadian aerospace sector emerge from the pandemic with the capacity to compete on the global stage. With a total budget of $250 million over three years (until March 31, 2024), this initiative is being delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs).
- ARRI was developed to help Canadian companies emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic with the capacity to compete on the global stage. In British Columbia, ARRI is delivered by PacifiCan.
- Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) is the regional development agency focused on British Columbia’s evolving economy. PacifiCan leads in building a strong, competitive Canadian economy by supporting business, innovation and community economic development unique to British Columbia.
- For over 50 years, the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada has worked with its members to develop what is today the fifth-largest national aerospace industry in the world.
- The Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI) will help the Canadian aerospace sector emerge from the pandemic with the capacity to compete on the global stage. With a total budget of $250 million over three years (until March 31, 2024), this initiative is being delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs).
- ARRI was developed to help Canadian companies emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic with the capacity to compete on the global stage. In British Columbia, ARRI is delivered by PacifiCan.
- Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) is the regional development agency focused on British Columbia’s evolving economy. PacifiCan leads in building a strong, competitive Canadian economy by supporting business, innovation and community economic development unique to British Columbia.
- For over 50 years, the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada has worked with its members to develop what is today the fifth-largest national aerospace industry in the world.
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