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The Conservative Government will invest $75 million in surveillance and targeting technology to keep Canadians safe.
Industry Minister James Moore made the announcement on Monday in Burlington, Ontario that the federal government will be investing millions of dollars into L-3 WESCAM—Canada’s largest manufacturing company for airborne imaging, sensors, and surveillance technology.
The investment is essential to Canada’s defence, security, and search and rescue operations, according to the Conservative Government.
"WESCAM surveillance and targeting technology has been used to help police forces conduct manhunts and track marijuana grow ops here in Canada. Abroad, Canadian armed forces have used similar aerial systems during Canada's 10-year mission in Afghanistan to capture high-value targets. Today, Canadian forces continue to support the fight against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant insurgents using WESCAM technology. Our government is proud to invest in a renowned defence, security and public safety company that will continue to develop new technology needed to help counter terrorism and keep Canadians safe,” said Moore.
The investment is expected to lead to the creation of jobs across southern Ontario. As well, WESCAM will be investing $2 million in security and defence technology education for the future of the industry.
"Camera and sensor technologies are an integral part of Canadian command, control and communications capabilities and are essential to the defence and security of our country. These technologies also advance science and technology for civilian and commercial applications to the benefit of all Canadians. CADSI congratulates L-3 WESCAM and the Government on this significant investment in research and development. These investments demonstrate a healthy partnership between industry and government that fuels Canadian innovation, creates high-value Canadian jobs, and leverages the strength of the Canadian defence and security industrial sector,” said Christyn Cianfarani, President of Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries.
In Moore’s announcement, he referenced the role surveillance technology played in capturing the gunman responsible for the death of three members of the Moncton RCMP in 2014.
In addition, surveillance technology is used along the Canada/U.S. border to intercept drug traffickers.
According to the Federal Government, WESCAM’s cameras have played a vital role in countering insurgency in Afghanistan and Iraq since 2005.
WESCAM also announced deals to sell surveillance technology throughout the world, including United Arab Emirates and the States.
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