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  August 13, 2024 | Local, Naval, C4ISR

  Investment in real-time data propels marine research

  News release Digital Harbour Phase 2 and new vessel tracking challenge support innovation in maritime technology August 12, 2024 · Dartmouth, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) / National Defence High quality data, and the platforms necessary to collect and analyze that data, are key to enabling public and private organizations in the marine sector to make informed decisions. The Government of Canada is investing to support innovation, research and commercialization across marine sectors.   Support for marine sector innovation Today, Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour, announced a total Government of Canada investment of $3,196,647 for two data-related projects at COVE. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, and the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence. A non-repayable contribution of $586,807 through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program will help COVE design, implement and launch phase two of its Digital Harbour Initiative. Digital Harbour uses an integrated system of sensors to collect and analyze marine data to help users make important operational, logistical, security and lifesaving decisions in real time. Phase two will develop the necessary digital infrastucture to collect data on a larger scale. An additional $2,609,840 in federal support through Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) and ACOA will support the launch of a vessel tracking challenge in partersnhip with COVE. This two-year challenge will give small- to medium-size businesses access to DRDC underwater acoustic sensors in the Halifax Harbour to help them develop innovative solutions to detect, classify and track vessels under a variety of conditions. Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to drive innovation, create jobs and strengthen the region’s growing ocean economy. Quotes “We are leading the way in marine research and tech here in Atlantic Canada. Through great partnerships between ACOA, Defence Research and Development Canada and COVE, we are helping companies access the tools they need to make breakthroughs and create jobs and opportunities for people in our region.” - The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA "Improving maritime surveillance is a key priority under Canada’s updated defence policy, Our North Strong and Free. Today’s announcement will strengthen COVE’s ability to find innovative solutions to the security challenges faced by Canada and its Allies. We are pleased to partner with COVE – a valuable partner to Defence Research and Development Canada, and a member of the NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) network.” - The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence “Big things are happening in Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, and COVE, a one-of-kind innovation hub in the marine tech sector is playing a significant role in our region’s success. A real jewel in Halifax Harbour, COVE is helping start-ups, companies of all sizes, research institutions, and government work together to expedite innovation, competitiveness, and development of various ocean technologies. By investing in projects like the Digital Harbour Initiative and the vessel tracking challenge, we are helping develop talent, improve supply chain opportunities, and build the entrepreneurial ecosystems needed to foster more ocean start-ups.” -Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour  “Our partnership with ACOA is a testament to the power of collaboration in driving marine innovation. Together, along with partners like Defence Research and Development Canada, we are building a robust ecosystem that leverages cutting-edge data technology to advance the marine sector. This support not only enhances our ability to innovate but also strengthens the global competitiveness and sustainability of Canadian small and medium enterprises.” -Melanie Nadeau, Chief Executive Officer, COVE Quick facts COVE is an innovation hub and home to more than 60 marine tech companies and organizations that are creating the world’s next practical, commercial and revolutionary marine tech advances and more than 350 through its programs.  The Digital Harbour Initiative, launched in January 2023, provides data collection, storage and transmission infrastructure, insights related to collected data, infrastructure for testing of products and other services, and access to real-time and historical data to support research and industry activities.   In June, at the 2024 H2O Home To Overseas Conference in Halifax, DRDC challenged small- to medium-size companies to take on the vessel tracking challenge. Innovators will be able to apply to join this challenge through Innovative Solutions Canada this fall. DRDC is funding the vessel tracking program at $2,381,634 (non-repayable), through ACOA. This vessel tracking challenge is part of DRDC’s future Maritime Surveillance program, to support NORAD modernization through science and technology. ACOA is providing an additional $228,206 non-repayable contribution to the challenge through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program. Associated links COVE COVE partners with CarteNav to digitalize Halifax Harbour - COVE (coveocean.com) Digital Harbour Initiative Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence Funding for Continental Defence and NORAD Modernization Defence Research and Development Canada Regional Economic Growth through Innovation https://www.canada.ca/en/atlantic-canada-opportunities/news/2024/08/investment-in-real-time-data-propels-marine-research.html

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  February 13, 2019 | Local, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR

  Chief of the Defence Staff announces Canadian Armed Forces General and Flag Officer senior appointments, promotions, and retirements

  February 12, 2019 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff, issued a CANFORGEN announcing the list of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) General and Flag Officer senior appointments, promotions, and retirements that will occur in 2019. General Officers (Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force) and Flag Officers (Royal Canadian Navy) lead the CAF in defending our country's values and interests, here at home and abroad. They share the responsibility for the stewardship of the entire institution, and for the profession of arms as a whole. For 2019, the total number of permanent General Officer and Flag Officer positions required to meet the demands of the Canadian Armed Forces is 116 (105 Regular Force and 11 Reserve Force). The number of senior staff fluctuates as a result of the needs of the military to meet Government of Canada and institutional objectives, which is constantly changing. Certain positions have been created to help us meet the following commitments found in Canada's defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged: supporting health and resilience, investments in the Royal Canadian Navy, enhancing cyber capabilities, transforming innovation for defence excellence and security, and continued global defence engagement. Biographies of senior officers may be made available upon request by contacting Media Relations. Quotes “The role of a General and Flag Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces comes with enormous responsibility. Those selected demonstrate they are capable of surmounting the significant challenges associated with leading and improving Canada's armed forces. For those leaving the Forces, they should do so proudly, as they are a testament to the qualities required to keep Canada's military strong and effective.” – General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff Quick facts In order to align authorities, responsibilities, and accountabilities with the US NORAD, Major-General D.W. Joyce will be appointed Deputy Commander Continental US NORAD Region, in Tyndall Florida, in a position that has been up-ranked to Major-General. To lead the modernization and growth of the Canadian Forces Health Services Group, Brigadier-General A.M.T. Downes will be promoted to the rank of Major-General and will continue to serve in his current appointment as Commander Canadian Forces Health Services Group / Surgeon General for the CAF, at NDHQ in Ottawa, in a position that has been up-ranked. Colonel J.G.M. Bilodeau will be promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General and appointed to a new position as Director General Clinical Services / Deputy Commander Canadian Forces Health Services Group, in Ottawa and will become the Department Health Advisor to the CDS. In order to enhance continental maritime command, control, and cooperation with the US Navy, Commodore S.M. Waddell will be promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral and appointed to a new position as Vice Commander 2nd Fleet United States Navy, in Norfolk Virginia. To develop CAF/DND data strategies, policies and to lead data management governance, Brigadier-General A.T. Benson will be appointed to a new position as Deputy Director General Data Strategy and Innovation, in Ottawa. Additional capacity is required to focus on key departmental initiatives. As such, Brigadier-General S.T. Boyle will be appointed to a new position as Deputy Director General Continental Policy, at NDHQ in Ottawa. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2019/02/chief-of-the-defence-staff-announces-canadian-armed-forces-general-and-flag-officer-senior-appointments-promotions-and-retirements.html

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  March 10, 2021 | Local, Naval

  PBO at a loss to explain why cost of new Canadian warship, currently at $77B, keeps rising | The Chronicle Herald

  The selection of a vessel that doesn’t yet exist has contributed to the risk of building Canada’s new warship fleet, but the parliamentary budget officer acknowledges he’s at a loss on why the price tag keeps rising. Parliamentary budget officer