Government of Canada Investment Strengthens the Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace Sectors in Victoria

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - July 23, 2015) - Western Economic Diversification Canada

Today, the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced an investment of over $2,084,000 for two projects to support the advanced manufacturing and aerospace sectors in Victoria.

With funding of more than $1.5 million from the Government of Canada, Camosun College will create a testing integration lab to support the manufacturing sector. This new facility will provide students with hands-on experience and provide industry with access to state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies. The project will also contribute to the development of a Career Hub, which will help promote student recruitment and support interaction with local employers.

An investment of $527,000 will support the University of Victoria acquire equipment and conduct laboratory upgrades to support the design, development, commercialization and certification of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Payloads at the Centre for Aerospace Research (CfAR).

Quick Facts

• A UAV is an autonomous aircraft remotely flown and monitored from a mobile ground control station. UAVs can be used for a diverse range of tasks that are repetitive, hazardous or need to be performed on short-notice.
• Technological services provided in Camosun College's Interaction Lab will include: 3D scanning and digital modeling, computer-assisted manufacturing, 3D printing, composite-materials mould fabrication and lay-up, manufacturing simulation, process monitoring, integrated production, and a manufacturing design studio.

Quotes

"By investing in state-of-the-art technologies at Camosun College and at the University of Victoria, our Government is helping the advanced manufacturing and aerospace sectors grow, while creating a highly-qualified workforce for the future."

• The Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification

"We find that integrating innovation into the educational process significantly enhances the job preparedness of our graduates, reduces on-ramping time at the workplace, and ultimately contributes to increased productivity and efficiency."

• Dr. Tom Roemer, Vice President Strategic Development, Camosun College

"In the three years since its inception UVic's Centre for Aerospace Research has become a Canadian leader in UAV research, design, integration and testing. This funding will advance the application of next-generation UAVs in a wide variety of fields, including agriculture, forest fire patrol, and search and rescue."

• Dr. David Castle, Vice-President Research, University of Victoria

Additional Links

• Western Canada's Shipbuilding Action Plan Delivers on Marine, Aerospace and Resource Training
• Harper Government Invests in British Columbia's Aerospace Sector
• Camosun College
• University of Victoria's Centre for Aerospace Research

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