Preserving capacity, General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff, Keys to Canadian SAR
Issue link: http://vanguardcanada.uberflip.com/i/304887
www.vanguardcanada.com APRIL/MAY 2014 41 and Manitoba, where companies of all sizes work together to build innovative technologies supporting ADS applica- tions and platforms, while employing thousands and gener- ating millions of dollars to the Canadian economy. British Columbia boasts expertise in remote sensing, satellite communications, complex robotics, 3D simulation technology, and advanced aerospace systems and subsystems. Alberta has a growing and dynamic defence sector that is highly regarded for its capabilities, especially in fi ve key sub-sectors: robotics and unmanned vehicle systems; de- fence electronics; space sciences, geomatics, and naviga- tion systems; maintenance, repair, and overhaul; and logis- tic support to the military. Saskatchewan is a showcase for satellite-based com- munication system products and services for aerospace and defence industries in Canada and around the world. It is also home to numerous companies offering aviation engi- neering and manufacturing solutions. Manitoba is home to the largest aerospace sector in Western Canada and is also home to 23 established re- gional and national fi rms that specialize in tool and dye making, precision sheet metal fabrication, plating and coating and electronics. WCDIA members, along with the volunteer Board of Di- rectors, work together to bring opportunities to association members. With additional support by Western Economic Diversifi cation and the government of Alberta, events and sessions are designed to attract the right people, with the right information, at the right time. Past attendees have had the opportunity to listen to pro- vincial premiers, members of Parliament and federal minis- ters such as the Minister of Public Works and Government Services, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversifi - cation, and Associate Minister of National Defence. WestDef always has leaders of industry present from companies such as Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Meggitt, General Dynamics, Boeing, Thales Canada, General Atom- ics and GE Military Systems Canada to speak on issues and opportunities. And representatives from the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, to the Chief of Staff, Materiel, Chief of Staff Land Forces Western Area, and the Director General Aerospace Equipment Program Management have shared perspectives on activities related to the Canadian military. In addition to session speakers, past attendees have had the opportunity to participate in industry tours through organizations such as Raytheon Canada Support Services, Harris Canada Systems, General Dynamics Canada, Bell He- licopters and Viking, where they viewed weapons systems, avionics support systems, command and control solutions, and an aircraft manufacturing facility. WestDef is where corporate executives, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, innovators and industry thought- leaders gather to examine trends, develop innovation strat- egies, and make deals happen. Attendees make high-level contacts, get exclusive in- sights into opportunities and participate in thought-pro- voking discussions. WestDef has become a place to meet and connect. It is the only conference of its kind in Canada for aerospace, defence and security. In an industry that is now faced with issues surrounding procurement, where Canadian programs have all been af- fected, reduced, delayed or cut, and where defence spend- ing is declining due in part to reduced armed confl ict, how are companies to respond? To realize growth in a declining government spending environment, companies will have to take steps necessary to cut costs to maintain acceptable fi nancial performance, develop an ability to focus on lifecycle cost reduction and business model transformation, and explore potential ex- pansion or an increase of sales into foreign markets. These issues are not unique and are challenges faced by companies of all sizes and scale. For the industry to continue to be successful and innovative, companies will have to come together and collectively solve these problems. In addition to continuing to deliver on existing contracts, companies will have to develop new products and technologies to address new threat environments, develop next-generation intel- ligence, surveillance and reconnaissance technologies, and look to government programs and contract opportunities. Many of these programs and opportunities, innovations and technologies will be discussed and presented at West- Def 2014, where the theme, Creating Innovative Oppor- tunities in a Post Afghanistan World, will provide a forum to explore critical issues currently facing the ADS sector in Canada, both now and into the future. For more information on WestDef 2014 or the Western Canadian Defence Industries Association (WCDIA), please visit www.westdef.com or www.wcdia.com. With two and a half days of jam-packed speaker sessions, keynotes, networking events, and a B2B marketplace, all while showcasing some of the region's most innovative companies, WestDef has become a "must attend" event. SPECIAL REPORT