WestCaRD re-affirmation of our Mission

WestCaRD will continue to be a facilitator of world leading developmental, environmental and certification testing, multi-sectoral applied research & technology commercialization and workforce development that contributes to Manitoba’s economic growth.  To achieve our mission, we will continue to work tirelessly to identify and support opportunities to improve existing technical capabilities, introduce new technologies and work with our educational institutions to build the skilled workforce needed for Manitoba companies to compete globally. To that end, we will continue to work closely with companies and academic institutions such as GE Aviation, StandardAero, Magellan Aerospace, Precision ADM, National Research Council, Univesity of Manitoba, Red River College Polytech, MITT and many other stakeholders. Here are a few typical initiatives in which WestCaRD has  and/or will be involved:

GE Aviation Canada/GE Test Research and Development Centre (TRDC)– In 2022, GE Aviation Canada was incorporated as a new corporate entity as the GE Company continues its evolution into a business solely focused on aviation. GE Aviation initiatives in Winnipeg have increasingly focussed on  carbon footprint reduction including a plan to eliminate or reduce diesel compressors at the TRDC to significantly decrease carbon emissions while also reducing the cost of conducting tests. For example, conducting qualifying tests to qualify sustainable Aviation Fuels(SAF) and hydrogen combustion alternatives could be achieved more sustainably and at less cost. . This initiative will also make third party testing much more affordable.

 StandardAero Innovation Initiatives – In the current WestCaRD-StandardAero long term agreement, WestCaRD has agreed to contribute funding to projects arising from StandardAero’s new innovation program. There will be more news on this in upcoming months as the program evolves and new paths are pursued and projects initiated.

Manitoba Canadian Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM) Initiative – In late 2021, WestCaRD initiated discussions on a Manitoba CAAM initiative that would be focused on regional air mobility operations in remote and northern Manitoba communities. In March 2022, leadership of this initiative was assumed by Manitoba Aerospace Inc as the logical program lead, and WestCaRD has provided ongoing support.. The goals of the program include: demonstration of zero-emissions air linkages to Manitoba’s northern & remote communities and the establishment of a “new” aerospace sector in Manitoba, built on the existing aviation and broader industry base. This initiative could also enable significant Indigenous quality-of-life improvements through frequent, convenient low-cost travel connections, additional means of provision of medical and emergency supplies and would provide new career pathways for Indigenous and remote communities in their communities. As part of a national CAAM initiative,  Manitoba could benefit from and contribute to a broader Canadian initiative. The Winnipeg Airport Authority has recently joined  this initiative..

NRC Aerospace Graduate Student Program – In 2019, just before COVID struck, WestCaRD undertook a program, that received seed funding from NRC Aerospace, to promote collaborative R&D activities between Manitoba companies, academia and the Aerospace Manufacturing Technology Centre in Montreal. This project enabled significantly leveraged projects which engaged Magellan Aerospace, PrecisionADM, StandardAero,  Red River College Polytechnic and the University of Manitoba Price Faculty of Engineering. Significant funding contributions were provided by Research Manitoba, NSERC and MITACS. Similar follow-on initiatives for 2023 are under consideration.

Manitoba Aerospace Inc (MAI) Support Activities – Since Q1 2022, WestCaRD has provided pro bono support to MAI to address a number of  technologically intense activities including the CAAM initiative mentioned above. Work has also been done in support of MAI industry consultations as well in planning for the development of a technology investment roadmap for Manitoba aerospace companies. In addition to supporting companies in identifying and pursuing industry support programs, WestCaRD will also support MAI in the recognition of and pursuit of Defence and government procurement opportunities, including those beyond aerospace and those focused on Indigenous participation.

Advanced Digital Manufacturing Initiatives and Competency Development – WestCaRD and its CEO have long been supportive of the CME-Manitoba organization which is championing the growth of manufacturing in all sectors through strategic investment planning for and adoption of digital manufacturing technologies and processes. There are many intersection points with companies, academia and government agencies regarding the critical adoption of digital manufacturing technologies and processes – concepts which are sector agnostic and ripe for collaborative pursuit.