January 15, 2020 | Local, Aerospace

Canadian government to spend estimated $800M more to keep aging CF-18s in fighting shape

OTTAWA — The federal government is planning to invest hundreds of millions of dollars more to ensure Canada's aging CF-18s can still fight while the country waits for replacement jets, which were originally expected years ago.

The extra money comes after the federal auditor general warned in late 2018 that Canada's fighter jets risked being outmatched by more advanced adversaries due to a lack of combat upgrades since 2008 and will result in new weapons, sensors and defensive systems for the fleet.

Royal Canadian Air Force commander Lt.-Gen. Al Meinzinger estimated the added cost will be around $800 million, which is on top of the $3 billion the government has already set aside to extend the lives of the CF-18s and purchase 18 secondhand fighter jets from Australia.

“Canada has a history of upgrading their fighter aircraft,” Meinzinger said in a recent interview with The Canadian Press. “It's a consequence of the fact that over time, threats ... advance as technology advances.”

The air force did not initially plan any upgrades to the CF-18s' combat systems after 2008 because it expected to retire the last of the fleet by 2020, when a new fleet of jets was to have taken over.

Instead, thanks to how successive governments have managed — or mismanaged — the jet file over the past decade, a competition to select a new fighter for the air force is only now underway. Even then, the last CF-18 isn't scheduled to be retired until 2032.

The air force “imagined perhaps transitioning the fighter force a little bit earlier,” Meinzinger acknowledged, which is why the need to invest in the CF-18s' combat systems wasn't taken — or even apparent — earlier.

“Because we anticipate flying the aircraft longer, this is why we're doing what we're doing to ensure we've got at least parity with the threats that we would see over that timeline before we can transition to the new fighter,” he added.

The federal auditor general flagged concerns with the combat effectiveness of Canada's CF-18s in a report in November 2018, warning that the planes “will become more vulnerable as advanced combat aircraft and air defence systems continue to be developed and used by other nations.”

The auditor general also found that even though the Department of National Defence had decided to invest money into the CF-18s to keep them flying past 2020, it “removed upgrades to combat capability,” in part because of “cost concerns.”

Documents obtained by The Canadian Press through the Access to Information Act show the auditor general's office initially wanted to say the fleet was “not fully capable for combat.” But defence officials said that could “compromise operational security” and suggested toned down language.

“We've got an excellent capability,” Meinzinger said when asked about the state of the fleet. “The fighter force has got an outstanding reputation globally. They stand the watch 24/7, 365 under the NORAD rubric. ... I don't want Canadians to be worried about where we're at today.”

The U.S. Marines are looking at keeping their F-18s — upon which the CF-18 is based — in the air until the 2030s, and Meinzinger said the two forces are working together to identify the best ways to do that.

“We've made it a priority and we're moving as fast as we can to get it delivered,” he said. “Obviously our intent is always to ensure that we're making the investments such that we believe that we've got at least parity against the threats that we would face.”

https://nationalpost.com/news/air-force-to-spend-hundred-of-millions-more-to-keep-cf-18s-fighting-fit

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October 4, 2018 | Local, Aerospace, Naval, C4ISR, Security

Government challenges small businesses to innovate
Invites Canadian small businesses to develop innovative solutions to nine new challenges October 3, 2018 – Ottawa, Ontario Small businesses and their ability to innovate make Canada's economy run. At the same time, the federal government is Canada's largest purchaser of goods. How can the government use these purchases to help small businesses innovate and grow? The answer is Innovative Solutions Canada. Through this program, government departments are inviting small businesses to come up with a new innovative product, service or solution in answer to specific challenges they face. Winning small businesses may receive up to $150,000 to refine their research and development and, if accepted into Phase 2, receive up to $1 million to develop a working prototype. The Government will then act as a first customer, helping small businesses to commercialize their innovations, scale up their business and create good jobs. The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion, today announced nine challenges on behalf of the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is challenging small businesses to: 1. Improve soil sample collection to make it easier, and make testing more accurate 2. Make “smart farming” technology cheaper so that smaller farms can use it Canadian Coast Guard is challenging small businesses to: 3. Harness the movement of ships in ocean waves to reduce fuel consumption and the need for external power sources Correctional Service Canada is challenging small businesses to: 4. Find new technology to stop inmates from performing illegal activities using wireless devices 5. Monitor the life signs of inmates and identify critical conditions so that staff can respond more quickly in emergencies 6. Create an innovative and cost-effective way to stop contraband items from getting into prisons via drone or being thrown over the fence Public Services and Procurement Canada is challenging small businesses to: 7. Improve the sound quality for remote interpretation services so that service isn't interrupted because the interpreters can't hear Shared Services Canada is challenging small businesses to: 8. Deliver high-speed broadband Internet access to citizens and Government of Canada employees who work or live in remote areas of the country Transport Canada is challenging small businesses to: 9. Accelerate the adoption of low-cost yet effective technologies that improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety around commercial vehicles, preventing injuries and saving lives Innovative Solutions Canada is a key component of the government's Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year plan to make Canada a global innovation leader and prepare Canadians to succeed in tomorrow's economy. Quotes “In the Economic Strategy Tables reports, we heard it clearly from Canada's industry and innovation leaders: the Government must use its purchasing power to help small businesses innovate and be more competitive. That's exactly what we're doing through Innovative Solutions Canada. Government gets access to quality products, while businesses grow and create good middle-class jobs for Canadians.” – The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and employ over 8 million hard-working Canadians. That's why our government is committed to helping small businesses start up, scale up and access new markets. Innovative Solutions Canada is a fantastic program that uses government procurement to help small and medium-sized businesses innovate and then commercialize their innovations. These are worthy new challenges, and I can't wait to see what our innovative Canadian small businesses come up with.” – The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion “Through the Innovative Solutions Canada program, we are challenging small businesses to help us provide Canadians and federal employees with access to the services they need, whether it is accurate translation of proceedings or improved efficiency of high-speed Internet access in remote locations.” – The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility and Minister responsible for Shared Services Canada Innovation is a driving force of Canada's agricultural sector. Through these challenges, small business innovators can help agriculture researchers, smaller-scale farms and processing plants access the tools and technologies they need to be environmentally sustainable and economically prosperous. We look forward to seeing their creative solutions to help drive the sector forward and create good middle-class jobs for Canadians.” – The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food “The Canadian Coast Guard is a leader in environmental stewardship and marine safety. By partnering with innovative small businesses to find ways to reduce fuel consumption, we are supporting our government's commitment to reduce emissions and protect our marine environment.” – The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard “Partnering with Innovative Solutions Canada is a great opportunity to share new ideas that contribute to public safety for all Canadians. I welcome innovative ideas that support Correctional Service Canada's mandate of actively encouraging and assisting federal offenders in becoming law-abiding citizens.” – The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness “I'm pleased to see this initiative being used to explore new ways to protect vulnerable road users. This program is an excellent opportunity to encourage small businesses to be new partners in road safety by advancing technologies that improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.” – The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport Quick facts Program funding will come from the 20 departments and agencies participating in Innovative Solutions Canada. Each department will set aside funding for this initiative that amounts to one percent of its 2015–16 combined procurement and internal research and development expenditures. Together, the funding from the departments and agencies represents a more than $100-million investment over the course of five years. Small businesses make up 98 percent of Canadian businesses and employ over 8 million hard-working Canadians. Innovative Solutions Canada is encouraging submissions from businesses owned and led by women, Indigenous peoples, youth and members of visible minorities by ensuring those groups are included in the program's outreach plans and activities. There are hundreds of programs and services that offer everything from funding to expert advice to help businesses innovate, create jobs and grow Canada's economy. With a simple, story-based user interface, the new Innovation Canada platform can match businesses with the most fitting programs and services in about two minutes. Associated links Innovative Solutions Canada challenges News release: Government helping small businesses innovate News release: Government helping small businesses develop sustainable solutions Contacts Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA Nilani Logeswaran Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development 343-291-2849 613-668-1794 Sandra Aubé Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion 343-998-5328 Media Relations Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada 343-291-1777 ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca https://www.canada.ca/en/innovation-science-economic-development/news/2018/10/government-challenges-small-businesses-to-innovate.html
February 3, 2022 | Local, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security

New funding for quantum prototypes / Nouveau financement pour les prototypes de technologies quantiques
Compete for up to $550k in funding to get your prototype tested! / Participez à un appel à candidatures pour obtenir jusqu'à 550 000 $ de financement afin de tester votre prototype ! (le français suit) New funding for quantum prototypes The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is looking for prototypes to help them meet some quantum needs. Compete for up to $550k in funding to get your prototype tested! Submit your proposal before February 24th, 2022 at 14:00 EDT. Quantum Sensing: Quantum level Biophoton Optical Imager The NRC is seeking prototypes in the quantum sensing field for biological research applications. Quantum Device Refrigeration: Scaled Down Dilution Refrigerator The NRC is seeking prototypes in the quantum refrigeration field. Quantum Sensing: Ultrasensitive spectroscopy system for quantum photonics The NRC is seeking ultrasensitive spectroscopy prototypes for quantum photonics. Nouveau financement pour les prototypes de technologies quantiques Le Conseil national de recherches du Canada (CNRC) est à la recherche de prototypes pour l'aider à répondre à certains besoins dans le domaine quantique. Participez à un appel à candidatures pour obtenir jusqu'à 550 000 $ de financement afin de tester votre prototype ! Soumettez votre proposition avant le 24 février 2022 à 14 h (heure avancée de l'Est). Détection quantique : un imageur optique à biophotons au niveau quantique Le CNRC est à la recherche de prototypes dans le domaine de la détection quantique pour des applications de recherche biologique. Réfrigération de dispositifs quantiques : réfrigérateur à dilution à échelle réduite Le CNRC est à la recherche des prototypes dans le domaine de la réfrigération quantique. Détection quantique : système de spectroscopie ultrasensible pour la photonique quantique Le CNRC est à la recherche des prototypes de spectroscopie ultrasensible pour la photonique quantique. Email sent to: sdquebec@aeromontreal.ca Innovative Solutions Canada/Solutions innovatrices Canada 235 Queen Street Ottawa, Ontario | K1A 0H5 | Canada solutions@canada.ca Anti‑spam policy | Report an abuse | Unsubscribe ATTENTION: Ce Courriel provient de l'extérieur de l'entreprise. Ne cliquez pas sur les liens ou n'ouvrez pas les pièces jointes à moins que vous ne reconnaissiez l'expéditeur et que vous sachiez que le contenu est sans danger. CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
July 3, 2018 | Local, Naval

Davie aims to replace Canadian Coast Guard's entire icebreaker fleet
Kevin Dougherty Shipbuilding firm will start work on icebreaker conversion this summer Chantier Davie Canada Inc., the country's largest shipbuilding firm, is gunning for contracts to build new icebreakers for the Canadian Coast Guard. "Given the age of the Canadian Coast Guard fleet, the entire icebreaker fleet will need to be replaced in the near future," says Alex Vicefield, CEO of Inocea Group, which has owned Davie since 2012. "We have every intention of submitting a world-class proposal together with global leaders in icebreaker design." Until then, Davie, located across the river from Quebec City in Lévis, is in the home stretch of negotiations with the federal government to convert three surplus commercial icebreakers for the Canadian Coast Guard. Under its new management, Davie has made its mark in the industry by turning surplus ships into lower-cost solutions. The first converted icebreaker will be ready in time for the 2018-2019 ice season on the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes. However, when it comes to building new ships, there remain doubts about Davie's ability to deliver at a competitive cost. Canadian ships cost 'twice as much' Marc Gagnon is director, government affairs and regulatory compliance for the Montreal-based Fednav, which operates a fleet of nearly 100 ships. Fednav buys its ships in Japan because, Gagnon says, Canadian-built ships cost "at least twice as much." "Davie no longer has the capacity to build an icebreaker or a frigate," Gagnon said. "To do so, they would have to re-equip their shipyard." Vicefield said Davie is aware of the challenges ahead and has invested $60 million to upgrade its steel-cutting and IT infrastructure. The University of British Columbia's Michael Byers, who argues that Ottawa's current shipbuilding strategy is too costly and needlessly slow, says building government ships in Canada makes sense and Davie is definitely up to the task. "For every $100 million that is spent on building a ship in Canada, you would get several times more than that in terms of knock-on economic activity," Byers said. "And Davie is the logical place to do it. They have a very large shipyard. They have a very capable workforce. The labour costs are relatively low and it's an active shipyard." Asterix 'very impressive' Last year, before Ottawa agreed to sit down with Davie to discuss the icebreaker conversions, Davie delivered the Asterix — a container ship converted into a supply ship for the Royal Canadian Navy — on time and on budget. In 2015, when the navy's existing two supply ships were no longer seaworthy, Vicefield and his team proposed converting the Asterix to a naval supply ship for about $600 million. "What they did with the Asterix was very impressive," Byers said. "There is no other shipyard in Canada that could have done that." In comparison, Vancouver-based Seaspan was chosen to build two new navy supply ships for $2.6 billion. But the first new supply ship will only be ready in 2020. "This is a cutthroat business and there is a lot of money involved and a lot of politics involved," Byers said. "Davie has the capacity and the experience to build icebreakers, plus they have the lowest costs in terms of labour of any shipyard in the country," he said. The Canadian Coast Guard has an aging fleet of 13 ice-breaking vessels and two hovercraft. Ice still a hazard to navigation Canada's oldest and largest icebreaker, the CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent, was commissioned in 1969. It was to be replaced in 2017 by the CCGS John G. Diefenbaker. But from the initial estimate of $720 million, the Diefenbaker is now expected to cost over $1.4 billion, with delivery in 2022. To meet Ottawa's need for "interim icebreakers," Davie found four icebreakers built for oil and gas drilling off the coast of Alaska that were idled when oil prices fell, putting an end of Shell's Arctic venture. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau agreed to negotiations with Davie to acquire the three smaller ice-breaking vessels, leaving aside the larger Aiviq. With no other shipyard matching Davie's proposal, the conversion work will begin this summer. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/davie-coast-guard-icebreakers-canada-vicefield-byers-gagnon-1.4730332

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