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Regional aerospace stakeholders seek to energize R+D efforts
Montreal - From coast to coast, Canadian aerospace stakeholders are joining forces to take R&D to new heights and become even more innovative. Five regional organizations have joined the Consortium for Aerospace Research and Innovation in Canada (CARIC) to lead the industry, universities, research centres and colleges in collaborative research projects and develop cutting-edge technology.
April 15, 2015 By CARIC
Located in Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg and Vancouver, these organizations will act as CARIC regional offices. They are joining CARIC’s Montreal headquarters, which has been in operation since April 2014.
“By ensuring CARIC’s local presence across Canada, we will be able to mobilize companies and public organizations more directly,” said Walter Di Bartolomeo, Vice President, Engineering, Pratt & Whitney Canada, and Chair of CARIC’s Board of Directors. “CARIC’s regional offices will extend the scope of the expertise found in each region to propel the Canadian aerospace sector even further.”
“Canada’s aerospace sector is a significant contributor to jobs and economic growth across the country,” said Industry Minister James Moore. “This is a major milestone for CARIC and our government will work with the private sector to ensure that Canada’s aerospace sector continues to be among the global leader in research and innovation.”
Increased participation targeted for B.C. and Alberta
As the B.C. regional office of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada, AIAC Pacific is working on a number of fronts to promote and develop aerospace business on Canada’s west coast, including identifying opportunities for collaborative research.
“AIAC Pacific is excited about joining CARIC’s national research network and driving the consortium’s research and technology development goals in B.C. and Alberta,” said David Schellenberg, AIAC Pacific Chair. “This initiative fits perfectly with the B.C. government’s objective of increasing B.C. company participation in federal programs that support product technology and manufacturing innovation.”
Innovation and collaboration in Manitoba and Saskatchewan
The Manitoba Aerospace Association (MAA) looks forward to bringing the CARIC network to Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
“Innovation is the lifeblood of technology-driven global industries like aerospace, and collaboration is an innovation multiplier,” said Kim Olson, President of the Manitoba Aerospace Association (MAA). “Connecting regional, national and international R&D efforts through CARIC will help Canada identify and develop key technology that will provide a sustainable, long-term competitive advantage.”
In synergy with Quebec
The Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Quebec (CRIAQ) will ensure CARIC’s representation in Quebec. Throughout its 12 years of operation, CRIAQ has developed know-how in collaborative research, which has been beneficial for the entire Quebec aerospace community.
“Since CARIC’s very beginnings, the two consortiums have worked interdependently. Quebec’s aerospace community is pleased to share its expertise in collaborative research all around Canada,” said Denis Faubert, President and CEO of both CARIC and CRIAQ.
Enhancing Ontario’s capabilities
The Ontario Aerospace Council (OAC) is comprised of 220 member companies, representing over 70% of the Ontario aerospace industry employment base and spans all tiers, business activities and sizes. Ontario-made aerospace parts from this technology-intensive diversified cluster are used in virtually every passenger aircraft in the world.
“OAC is pleased to partner with CARIC to enable Ontario industry and academia to expand their global collaborative research opportunities. This program will help develop, demonstrate and commercialize proprietary technology, enhancing Ontario’s capabilities as a leader in global aerospace markets,” said Moira Harvey, Executive Director of the Ontario Aerospace Council.
Atlantic Canada – a growing market
Springboard Atlantic supports Atlantic Canada’s research commercialization and capacity development, plus helps Atlantic Canadian universities and colleges transfer knowledge and technology to the region’s private sector. Atlantic Canada was the fastest-growing region for aerospace manufacturing and MRO services during the 2008-2013 period.
“Springboard Atlantic is very enthusiastic about joining CARIC,” said Chris Mathis, President and CEO of Springboard Atlantic. “This partnership will help nurture the Atlantic Provinces’ aerospace sector.”
