November 7, 2019
As a benefit to members, friends, and WestDef delegates, WCDIA distributes monthly updates with opportunities and events within the aerospace, defence & security industry. WCDIA and its Board are not responsible for the accuracy of the contents. Please DO NOT contact WCDIA or the sender of the email for inquiries about third party information or events.
WCDIA News
Three Alberta-based SMBs partner with Peraton Canada to advance the use and development of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System technology

Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) is a critical component of the advancement in unmanned commercial and defence applications of UAS technology. Although testing of BVLOS drone applications is underway in many countries, Canada is one of the world leaders in the regulatory development for safe drone operations. This is why AERIUM Analytics, Canadian UAVs, UxS representing the Foremost UAS Test Range have partnered together to work with Peraton Canada to develop new technologies in the industry of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS).

Project SkySensus is a signal of growth in the unmanned aerial systems arena in Canada and the world. Western Canada has been a key player in strengthening Canada’s unmanned industry, with Alberta known to be an early adopter of RPAS and there are now considered to be over 500 companies within the province that use RPAS for commercial purposes.

Three Alberta-based SMBs partnered with a defence contractor, Peraton Canada, to create SkySensus in order to advance the development and use of RPAS technology for BVLOS applications. This project is a five-year commitment to support research and development, as well as commercialization and advancement of the drone industry in Canada. The initiative is related to Peraton Canada’s obligations under Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits policy. This policy requires companies winning
military and Coast Guard contracts to invest in Canada’s economic development at a commensurate level to the value of the contract. Participation from Transport Canada, NAV Canada and the Department of National Defence will be structured as part of the project.

Each of the companies within SkySensus are expected to grow and in total 50 high value jobs will be created. The companies will jointly implement a series of research and development activities within increasingly progressive complex environments. A series of Capability Demonstrations will result in risk modeling and technology advancements to increase the safety of future BVLOS operations.

Congratulations to these companies and we can't wait to see what comes next!

Western Canadian Defence Industries Association would like to pause, give thanks and remember all our brave service men and women who currently serve, have served and sacrificed for our country.

Thank you for your service.

To find a Remembrance Day Service near you please contact your local Legion Branch .
Featured News
Veterans Food Bank Needs Food, Cash Donations

There has been a call for food and cash donations for the Calgary Veterans Food Bank.

The program, run by veterans, gives out about 40 food hampers a month. However, organizers expect as the holiday season approaches the number of hampers they'll need to give out will climb to 200.

To donate food, you can visit any Calgary Police Service station, Calgary Fire Department station or Calgary Legion. Cash donations can be given through the Calgary Veterans Association Food Bank website .
Fundraising Request:
41 Service Battalion planning a battlefield tour in April 2020 in commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of Holland

History
In the final months of the Second World War, Canadian forces were given the important and deadly task of liberating the Netherlands from Nazi occupation. From September 1944 to April 1945, the First Canadian Army fought German forces on the Scheldt estuary — opening the port of Antwerp for Allied use — and then cleared northern and western Netherlands of Germans, allowing food and other relief to reach millions of desperate people. Today, Canada is fondly remembered by the Dutch for ending their oppression under the Nazis. More than 7,600 Canadian soldiers, sailors and airmen died fighting in the Netherlands.

They are buried today in official war cemeteries across the country. The largest, Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery near the city of Nijmegen, holds the graves of more than 2,300 Canadians. Canadians are fondly remembered by the Dutch as both liberators and saviors who rescued millions from sickness and starvation in 1945. The joyous "Canadian summer" that followed forged deep and long-lasting bonds of friendship between the two countries. Every year since the war, the Netherlands has sent thousands of tulips to Ottawa, in appreciation for Canada's sacrifice and for providing safe harbour to the Dutch royal family, which lived in exile in Canada during the war. The Canadian-Dutch bond is also celebrated every summer during the Nijmegen Marches — an annual, international military marching competition — at which the Netherlands' liberation by Canadian soldiers is warmly and gratefully remembered.

In April/May 2020, 41 Service Battalion will be deploying to Holland to Commemorate the 75 Anniversary of this bond.  No public or government funding is provided for this trip and is entirely conducted from personal contributions, donations & fundraising. While in Holland, 41 Service Battalion will be participating in a number of ceremonies and parades in remembrance of the logistics, transportation, medical, administration, maintenance & supply soldiers that gave the ultimate sacrifice. This is an educational, ceremonial & life experience event for the soldiers attending but as you know, it is not cheap to travel.

See the attached flyer explaining the great relationship with The Fort Distillery in Ft Saskatchewan which will enable you to purchase spirits for yourself or as a gift. The Fort Distillery is donating a huge portion of the sales of these bottles to go toward this trip. This is an excellent way to be help out while receiving a product that you can enjoy with your friends & family. I will be taking orders until about mid-Nov for delivery in mid-Dec. I am making arrangements on ways to distribute orders in Edmonton & Calgary but I don't have a viable solution if you're outside these areas. Sales for these commemorative spirits will continue until the end of Feb 2020.

International Security Expo - UK - Canadian Pavilion December 3 - 4, 2019

After the huge success of the Canadian Pavilion exhibiting companies in 2018, the Trade Team at the High Commission of Canada to the United Kingdom is working with the organisers of International Security Expo again to bring together Canadian Pavilion at the show allocated in a prime position.

If you are interested in exhibiting at International Security Expo 2019 please contact Betty Jandwerth by email: betty.jandewerth@gov.ab.ca .
Member Showcase
Highmark Mechanical

We help our customers get the most value out of their equipment by providing a wide range of options to re-furbish worn or damaged components on all makes and models. Our full-service machine shop often repairs worn out pin, bearing or seal fits, offers a full range of hydraulic cylinder repairs as well as reverse engineering of obsolete parts.

Over the last ten years, Highmark has helped to keep equipment working longer, saving our customers time and money.

Our Lac la Biche facility serves most of North East Alberta.

Coffee Club
November Coffee Club Networking Event

Date:  Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Time:  8:30am - 9:30am
Hosted by:  All Metal Manufacturing
Location:  4020C - 11 A Street SE, Calgary, AB


At All Metal Manufacturing, our state-of-the art equipment and technically-trained staff allow us to cut, brake, machine and fabricate all your products to meet and exceed your needs. Our plant is CWB certified, ensuring superior quality onsite welding. Additionally, all staff are kept current with the latest safety requirements and receive ongoing technical training. Our facility is fully outfitted with leading-edge equipment, providing water-jetting, laser and plasma cutting, machining, and press-brake forming and welding. We also offer drafting and engineering services, which will take your design from conception to finished end-product. With all these factors working together, it's no wonder we have built some excellent partnerships with our existing customers. Now, let us be YOUR partner!

Join us for coffee and refreshments and learn more about All Metal Manufacturing!
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Calling all WCDIA members*:

Would you like to host the next coffee club networking event at your place of business or education facility? Please send us an email at  admin@wcdia.com  to let us know you are interested.
*Hosting companies must be in good standing with WCDIA.
Industry Events at a Glance
November Coffee Club
November 12, 2019
Calgary, AB

WCDIA AGM
Date to be Determined
Calgary, AB
Information Coming Soon

Canadian Aerospace Summit
November 12-13, 2019
Ottawa, ON
International Security Expo 2019
December 3-4, 2019
Olympia, London
Information Coming Soon

Western Innovation Forum
March 5, 2020
Vancouver, BC
Registration Coming Soon

WCDIA AGM
Dates TBA
Calgary, AB
Information Coming Soon
WCDIA | 403.710.0982   | admin@wcdia.com   | www.wcdia.com
This email was sent by Western Canadian Defence Industries Association (WCDIA). WCDIA promotes Western businesses as viable suppliers for federal defence procurement initiatives. WCDIA aims to provide a means of mutual support to Tier 2 and smaller Western Canadian companies; to help develop their ability to serve the procurement needs of the Canadian defence industry. The WCDIA’s intent is to provide its members with practical training and advice on critical tools and issues.