April 8, 2024 | Local, Security
Release of Canada’s Defence Policy Update
On April 8, 2024, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, will release Canada’s Defence Policy Update.
December 8, 2017 | Local, Aerospace, Security
RCMP issue warning after green laser pointed at plane northwest of Edmonton
'The laser can temporarily blind the pilot ... putting all people aboard the aircraft at serious risk'
CBC News Posted: Dec 07, 2017 7:15 AM MT Last Updated: Dec 07, 2017 7:15 AM MT
A pilot bound for the Villeneuve Airport northwest of Edmonton was able to navigate a safe landing after a green laser was pointed at the plane Wednesday night.
The aircraft was flying somewhere over Sturgeon County when the pilot realized someone was pointing a green laser at the plane, Morinville RCMP said in a statement.
RCMP said it's extremely fortunate that no one was hurt. Laser strikes on an aircraft are extremely dangerous, police said.
"The laser can temporarily blind the pilot, create intense glare that affects the pilot's vision and distract the pilot, putting all people aboard the aircraft at serious risk."
RCMP were notified of the incident by Nav Canada, the private operator of Canada's civil air navigation service.
Police did not provide any details on the plane, how many passengers were on board, or if the pilot required medical attention.
'It's a disturbing statistic'
Last year, the federal government launched a social media campaign focused on the issue of people pointing lasers at planes.
The number of laser incidents reported to Transport Canada has increased in the last few years: In 2014, there were 502 so-called laser strike incidents on planes, a 43-per-cent increase since 2012.
According to Transport Canada, there were more than 500 reported laser strikes in 2016.
"It's a disturbing statistic," RCMP said. "It means the safety of pilots, crew and passengers were put at risk 500 times that year. Pointing a laser at an aircraft is illegal and a criminal offence."
The punishment for anyone caught shining a laser at an aircraft is a fine of up to $100,000, five years in prison, or both.
RCMP are asking anyone with information on the incident to contact the Morinville detachment or Crime Stoppers.
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April 13, 2021 | Local, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security
Turkey calls on Canada to review defence industry restrictions
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu urged NATO ally Canada on Monday to review defence industry restrictions which it imposed on Ankara last year.
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October 27, 2020 | Local, Aerospace
Saab signs partnership agreement with Canada’s CRIAQ
Saab and the Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Quebec (CRIAQ) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). Saab and the Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Quebec (CRIAQ) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The partnership agreement is expected to boost collaboration with Canadian industry, universities and other research organisations. CRIAQ CEO Alain Aubertin said: “We are very pleased with this signing as we continue to develop our aerospace industry, adding a new global player to our ecosystem. “I am convinced that CRIAQ's academic, industrial and SME community, and the Quebec economy as well, will clearly benefit from this international collaboration.” This agreement also deepens the commitments of Saab to the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy of Canada in the future. Introduced in 2014, ITB is an economic commitment made by bidders to the country. It requires companies that are awarded defence procurement projects in invest and undertake business activity in the country. In July 2019, Saab submitted a proposal to include 88 Gripen E fighters for Canada's Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP). Saab Aeronautics business area vice-president and head Jonas Hjelm said: “The quality and breadth of aerospace research and innovation in Canada is globally recognised, with the Quebec region home to many excellent companies and institutions. https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/saab-signs-partnership-agreement-with-canadas-criaq/