Federal government invests $22M in aerospace industry, supporting six local projects
The federal government announced it will invest $22 million dollars to support six aerospace projects across Waterloo Region.
Filomena Tassi, the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario made the announcement Tuesday morning at the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre at the Region of Waterloo International Airport.
"Ontario-made parts are found in almost every passenger plane in the world. And it's the workers who will continue to take this industry to new heights. That's why our government is investing directly in the organizations, businesses, and people who will drive innovation across the sector, and ensure workers have the skills needed to continue growing a strong, sustainable economy that works for everyone," said Tassi.
The money will go towards supporting businesses and organizations in Ontario’s aerospace sector, including increasing manufacturing, training, and green operations.
One of the projects receiving funding is the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA) at the University of Waterloo. WISA will get a $9.2 million boost to create an Innovation Hub to mobilize research, access green technologies and provide hands-on aviation training.
“It’s very exciting, especially for a program that’s so new. WISA is just about 18 months old and it’s already had such amazing success,” said Vivek Goel, President of UW. “Through this funding we’re going to be able to invest in equipment and training programs.”
“WISA — the first institute of its kind in Canada — can play a vital role in achieving sustainability in the aviation and aerospace industries. Launched in the fall of 2021, its mission is to become the world's leading hub for research, technology and education that will build a sustainable future for the aviation, aerospace and space industries. We have all the pieces here,” said Suzanne Kearns, Founder of the WISA.
Kearns said through WISA, the goal is to make Canada’s aerospace industry more environmentally friendly. One way it’s doing that is by researching on the world’s first type of certified electric training aircraft.
“Electric aviation is better for the environment. It reduces 98% of emissions from a training aircraft,” she said.
The plane hasn’t taken flight yet, but Kearns hopes to take flight in the near future.
The other five programs receiving funding from the Government of Canada are: Shimco North America, Cleeve Technology, First Nations Technical Institute, the World Trade Centre Toronto and Service Mold + Aerospace Inc.
The government said the the funding will create 400 jobs.
WINDSOR-BASED COMPANY GETS FUNDS
Service Mold + Aerospace Inc. is a Windsor-based build-to-print manufacturing supplier that produces structural parts and flight hardware for aerospace, space exploration, automotive, and commercial sectors. The company is receiving a repayable investment of over $3.8 million to purchase four pieces of Computer Numerical Control equipment. As a result, the company will reduce lead times, increase production, commercialize new parts, attract new customers, expand its market share in the rocket supply chain, and increase and diversify its revenue while creating 15 new jobs and maintaining 27 jobs.
"'With Space exploration reaching unprecedented levels, this FedDev Ontario support will allow Service Mold + Aerospace to invest in state-of-the-art CNC equipment and increase manufacturing capacity to meet the industry's demands. Furthermore, this investment would allow us to continue to hire, train, and retain highly skilled tradespeople, allowing an Ontario business to remain competitive in the industry and ensuring the longevity of our shared success," Myles Schuurman, vice president, Service Mold + Aerospace Inc. said in a media release.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian family stuck in Lebanon anxiously awaits flight options amid Israeli strikes
A Canadian man who is trapped in Lebanon with his family says they are anxiously waiting for seats on a flight out of the country, as a barrage of Israeli airstrikes continues.
Suspect in shooting of Toronto cop was out on bail
A 21-year-old man who was charged with attempted murder in the shooting of a Toronto police officer this week was out on bail at the time of the alleged offence, court documents obtained by CTV News Toronto show.
Scientists looked at images from space to see how fast Antarctica is turning green. Here's what they found
Parts of icy Antarctica are turning green with plant life at an alarming rate as the region is gripped by extreme heat events, according to new research, sparking concerns about the changing landscape on this vast continent.
DEVELOPING 2 dead after fire rips through historic building in Old Montreal
At least two people are dead and others are injured after a fire ripped through a century-old building near Montreal's City Hall, sources told Noovo Info.
Yazidi woman captured by ISIS rescued in Gaza after more than a decade in captivity
A 21-year-old Yazidi woman has been rescued from Gaza where she had been held captive by Hamas for years after being trafficked by ISIS.
A 6-year-old girl was kidnapped in Arkansas in 1995. Almost 30 years later, a suspect was identified
Nearly 30 years after a six-year-old girl disappeared in Western Arkansas, authorities have identified a suspect in her abduction through DNA evidence.
Dolphins 'smile' at each other when they play and to avoid misunderstanding, study finds
For humans, flashing a smile is an easy way to avoid misunderstanding. And, according to a new study, bottlenose dolphins may use a similar tactic while playing with each other.
Pit bulls in B.C. pet mauling tested positive for meth, cocaine, says city
Three pit bulls involved in a deadly attack on another dog last month in Kamloops, B.C., tested positive for methamphetamine and cocaine, and the city is going to court to have them put down.
Tax rebate: Canadians with low to modest incomes to receive payment on Friday
Canadians who are eligible for a GST/HST tax credit can expect their final payment of the year on Friday.