FOREMOST, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - June 17, 2016) - Western Economic Diversification Canada

Today, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, announced an investment of $300,000 to support the development of an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) range for training and field testing in the Village of Foremost.

Federal funding will support range fit-up costs, while Government of Alberta support of $100,000 will go towards business development and range management.

The Foremost UAS range will support industry and academic work in training and field testing technologies for civil and commercial applications. This initiative will result in commercialization and increased trade for Canadian companies and attract global investment. Post-secondary students, including aerospace engineers, will also receive training in UAV technology and will design the next generation UAV systems.

Quick Fact

• Worldwide spending on unmanned aerial vehicles is expected to more than triple over the next decade and is expected to reach $14 billion by 2023.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is committed to creating regional advantages in Western Canada. This project is achieving this priority by helping businesses strengthen their global competitiveness and will equip students with the skills necessary to succeed in the next generation of UAV systems."

• The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada

"The Foremost Unmanned Aircraft Systems Range will provide a unique space for innovators to develop, test and commercialize high-tech products to improve made-in-Alberta products we can market to the world. Innovating, training and collaborating in support of sustainable resource production, agriculture, environmental monitoring means more new jobs and a more diversified economy. This is our Jobs Plan in action."

• The Honourable Deron Bilous, Minister of Alberta Economic Development and Trade

"The Village of Foremost would like to extend our appreciation to the federal and provincial Governments for their contributions and efforts of their staff which have made this possible. This contribution by Western Economic Diversification Canada and Alberta Economic Development and Trade is a key part in moving the Foremost Unmanned Air Systems Range forward. This will be a great benefit for the Unmanned Air Systems Industry in Canada."

• His Worship Ken Kultgen, Mayor for the Village of Foremost

Related Products

-Federal Government Invests in Improvements to Foremost's Community Infrastructure

Additional Links

-Western Economic Diversification Canada - Western Diversification Program

-Village of Foremost

-Alberta Economic Development and Trade

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