Ontario News – 12.04.2012

April 2012

Ontario, Canada Attracts Cutting-Edge IBM Research & Development Centre

New Partnership Fostering Innovation

Ontario and IBM Canadaare partnering with several leading Ontario universities to create a new $210 million world-class virtual Research and Development Centre in Ontario.

IBM will invest up to $175 million through December 2014 in the project, forming the “IBM Canada Research and Development Centre” to serve as a foundation for the research initiative. The Government of Ontario is investing $15 million towards the creation of this Centre; ensuring that the skills needed for developing future information and communications technology products and services are fostered in Ontario, new and existing Ontario companies are leaders in their fields, and innovation efficiencies and cost-savings are created across multiple sectors.

The Government of Canada will contribute $20 million to allow a consortium of seven southern Ontario post-secondary institutions and IBM to install two high-performance IBM Blue Gene/Q supercomputers and develop a cloud computing and agile computing platform to underpin the initiative’s research collaboration. The university consortium will have access to a new Barrie, Ontario based IBM data centre, which will be fully operational in the fall of 2012. Other Canadian researchers and small to medium-sized enterprises will also be invited to join the consortium.

The new IBM Canada Research and Development Centre will use state-of-the-art computer infrastructure to drive innovative discoveries in key areas and bring them to market. The Centre’s research will focus on:

• Data management for health care, such as technology that can help doctors detect life threatening conditions in premature babies 24 hours earlier
• Water conservation and management, such as reducing pollution in water systems by monitoring sewer systems and spotting problems in a pipeline before a leak
• Energy management, such as finding better ways to track how hydro flows, reducing waste and saving customers money, and
• Rapid urbanization and aging infrastructure in our cities, such as managing traffic lights to improve traffic flow.

The research projects will be supported by an expansion of IBM’s software development labs in Markham and Ottawa, and the new high performance data centre in Barrie.

QUOTES

“This is a very exciting initiative that demonstrates Ontario is a leader in cutting-edge research. Thanks to Ontario’s commitment to building an innovation-driven economy ― with leading research institutions, a highly educated workforce and a favourable corporate tax environment ― we are attracting world-leading initiatives, like IBM Canada’s Research and Development Centre.”

— Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development and Innovation

“As we begin a new century of innovation for IBM, we’re investing in this industry-building initiative to further advance Canada’s competitiveness in the global digital economy, both now and in the future. Together with our government, academic and industry partners, we will apply new, collaborative approaches to Canada’s productivity and competitiveness challenges by more fully leveraging IBM’s 100-year legacy of research and development leadership here in Ontario.”

— John Lutz, President, IBM Canada

QUICK FACTS

• In 2010, the information and communications technology sector employed about 276,000 people in Ontario, almost half of the Canadian total.
• The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is the third-largest ICT cluster in North America.
• The project adds to IBM’s more than $6-billion global R&D investment last year that helped generate over $1.7 billion in exports for Canada.
• IBM opened its first Canadian office in Ontario in 1917. Today its software development lab in Markham is home to the largest team of IBM software professionals outside the United States.

LEARN MORE

• About Ontario’s Innovation Agenda

For more information, contact:

Ainsley Martin, Media Relations, Brand Marketing

Tel: 416-314-8704

E-mail: ainsley.martin@ontario.ca

 

Ontario News – 11.04.2012

Ontario helping mining supply and services sector expand into new international markets

Through its Mining Supply and Services Export Assistance Program (MSSEAP), the Province of Ontario is helping the sector market its innovative products and services to buyers from all over the world through an international marketing campaign. A key component of this campaign is a new brand slogan – “Mining is at our Core” – that will help companies identify mining supplies and services made in Ontario.

Since its inception in 2010, support from MSSEAP has helped secure more than $30 million in international sales.

QUOTE

“Our mining supply and services sector continues to foster a strong global demand for its state-of-the-art equipment, ideas and services sector. By introducing international buyers to our mining sector, we are supporting the long-term sustainability and growth of the industry.”
Rick Bartolucci, Minister, Northern Development and Mines

QUICK FACTS

MSSEAP is a three-year program that is helping the mining supply and services sector expand into new international markets.

• The marketing campaign is the most recent element of the MSSEAP initiative. Since its inception in 2010, MSSEAP has offered the mining supply and services sector expert marketing advice, export funding, access to international trade shows, and participation in international trade missions visiting Ontario.
• Northern Ontario’s mining supply and services sector is comprised of more than 500 firms, employs over 23,000 people and has a total annual production value of $5.6 billion.
• Read about the Mining Supply and Services Export Assistance Program.
• Find out how the government provides trade and investment support in Northern Ontario.
• Learn more about mining and mineral exploration in Ontario.

LEARN MORE

For more information, contact:

Ainsley Martin, Media Relations, Brand Marketing

Tel: 416-314-8704

E-mail: ainsley.martin@ontario.ca

Ontario News – 02.04.2012

Ontario-based Seneca College builds software for game-changing Raspberry Pi computer

Raspberry Pi, a new fully functional computer set to sell for less than $40, features made-in-Ontario software built and adapted by Seneca College’s Centre for Development of Open Technology (CDOT). When the computer was launched in early March, distributors’ websites initially crashed before selling out within hours of the announcement.

“These low-cost computers will improve the access to technology worldwide, particularly for students,” said Seneca College President David Agnew. “It is rewarding to see Seneca students and faculty from across Toronto, Ontario using their expertise to build and adapt software for this breakthrough device.”

The energy-efficient device can run off 4AA batteries, use a TV as a monitor and store data on SD cards. A basic software package developed at Seneca College in Toronto, including a custom version of the Linux Fedora operating system and basic tools like a web browser and word processor, are available for the device.

The Raspberry Pi Fedora Remix 14 provides a complete software environment for the Raspberry Pi, a highly anticipated computer system designed to spur interest in computer science, software development, and electronic technology among young people. It also allows Raspberry Pi to be used for many of the things that desktop PCs do such as spreadsheets, word processing, games, and playing high-definition video.

“Ontario students and faculty have helped to make Raspberry Pi a reality,” said Eben Upton, Director of the Raspberry Pi Foundation. “As a free software-based platform, we’re very dependent on Linux and the open source community at large to provide our users with a working environment complete with programming languages, productivity applications and educational software.”

This software release marks an important milestone in CDOT’s applied research in building open source software for emerging low-energy ARM systems. ARM chips are known for combining a high level of functionality with extremely low power consumption. This software will power a new generation of computer systems, ranging from the Raspberry Pi to new models of the One Laptop Per Child project to high-density server systems that consume a tiny fraction of the power used by traditional data centres.

“I jumped at the chance to work on this project because I knew it would be invaluable experience,” said Paul Whalen, Seneca Computer Systems Technology graduate, CDOT research assistant and professor. “This year I saw the students’ growing excitement as they learned about the computer and their imaginations are running wild with applications they can create. It’s amazing to think we were involved with bringing Fedora to the ARM architecture in support of devices like the Raspberry Pi.”

About CDOT

Seneca’s Centre of Development of Open Technology (CDOT) provides a physical and virtual environment for the development and research of open source software through collaboration with Seneca, the open source community, business and other institutions. The centre is an integration point for knowledge, education, and relationships within the open source world.

Useful Links

Raspberry Pi Fedora Remix 14 – Video

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2012/03/01/technology-raspberry-pi-launch.html

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2012/02/23/technology-raspberry-pi-cheap-computer.html

http://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/805

 

Ontario News – 29.02.2012

Ontario an Automotive Leader

Ontario Government Celebrates Auto Industry Talent And Innovation

Ontario, Canada is a leader in the auto sector.  Since 2004, Ontario has produced more vehicles than any other state or province in North America thanks to its dedicated workers, state of the art technology and innovation. The province’s auto industry supports nearly 400,000 jobs and contributes about $20 billion to the economy annually.

Industry Strengths

• Ontario is unique in North America with five of the top light vehicle makers operating plants here (GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda).

• The Honda Civic, built in Alliston, remains Canada’s top selling car for the 14th straight year.

• Chrysler’s Windsor assembly plant produces vehicles under the Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Lancia brands.

• About one quarter of all the vehicles General Motors produces in Canada and the U.S. are built in Ontario.

Technology and Innovation

• The climatic wind tunnel at the Automotive Centre of Excellence at UOIT in Oshawa can re-create extreme weather conditions including minus 40°C temperatures and hurricane-force winds.

• The Fumes-to-Fuel system at Ford’s Oakville assembly plant converts fumes from the paint shop into clean electric power to help run the plant, saving energy and reducing emissions.

• Researchers working on Ontario’s BioCar Initiative have developed plant-based materials such as a wheat straw-reinforced plastic that can be used to reduce petroleum-based plastics found in cars.

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

• Through projects such as Better Place, Ontario has joined jurisdictions from around the world exploring the role of electric vehicles as part of building a sustainable transportation future.

• Toyota will build the RAV4 electric vehicle at its plant in Woodstock – the company’s first electric vehicle to be built in North America.

• Dana Holding Corporation has its global R&D centre for battery cooling systems in Oakville.  The company is developing technology for use in electric and hybrid vehicles that maintains the battery at optimal temperature, helping to maximize range and performance.

 

QUOTES

“Recent investments and new product mandates are testament to the ongoing strength of Ontario’s auto sector and the quality of our auto workers. The Ontario government will continue working with the industry to create good jobs for Ontario families and help position the sector for long-term growth and innovation.”

– Brad Duguid
Minister of Economic Development and Innovation

QUICK FACTS

• Almost 90,000 people are directly employed in Ontario’s automotive sector in either vehicle assembly or parts production, with about 400,000 jobs supported by the industry throughout the province.
• As a result of the tax changes implemented in Ontario, taxes on business investment were cut in half, making Ontario more competitive and encouraging new business investments.

LEARN MORE

• Read more about Ontario’s auto industry.
• Read Ontario’s Progress Report 2011.

 

For more information, contact:

Ainsley Martin, Media Relations, Brand Marketing

Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation

Tel: 416-314-8704

E-mail: Ainsley.Martin@ontario.ca

 

Ontario News – 27.02.2012

Ontario, Canada Companies Win at Academy Awards

Ontario’s Seneca College contributes to all six films nominated for Oscar® for Visual Effects

Ontario’s innovative film industry has been recognized internationally, with two Ontario teams presented with awards at the annual Academy Of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Scientific and Technical Awards.

Toronto-based Side Effects Software won the Technical Achievement Award for their software that improves rendering of digital special effects such as smoke and clouds.  The Ontario-made software is being used in blockbusters, such as Transformers: Dark of the Moon and Puss in Boots.

Hamilton-based PV Labs received a Scientific and Engineering Award for the development of a camera mount that provides more stable images when filming scenes from a helicopter.  The technology is being used in several Hollywood blockbusters, including The Hangover 2, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn and the upcoming The Dark Knight Rises.

In addition, all six of the films nominated for an Academy Award® for Achievement in Visual Effects feature the artistry of graduates or professors of Seneca College’s Visual Effects for Film and Television program. Their work includes visual effects for  Martin Scorsese’s 3D children’s adventure Hugo, which won five Oscar® awards and led the nominees for the 2012 Academy Awards® with 11 nominations. In the other nominated films (Planet of the Apes, Real Steel, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Part 2 and Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon), Seneca graduates worked as compositors – effects artists who combine a number of images to create the final.

QUOTES

“Congratulations to Side Effects Software and PV Labs on their Academy Awards. The Ontario government is committed to supporting the province’s innovative film and television industry. Our industry tax credits, combined with our creative and talented workforce will ensure that we continue to create good jobs and build a stronger economy.”

– Brad Duguid
Minister of Economic Development and Innovation

“Ontario is home to the third largest film industry in North America. As a company, we’ve benefited from the exceptional talent coming out of Ontario’s universities and colleges, and the tremendous government support for the industry.”

– Kim Davidson
Co-Founder, President and CEO, Side Effects Software

“The use of R&D tax credits has been vitally important for developing our technology. In addition, we take advantage of the Cooperative Education Tax Credit, an incentive that allows us to hire and train students with financial help from the government.”

– Ty Shattuck
President and CEO, PV Labs

“It’s great to see the talents and impressive work of Seneca graduates and faculty displayed in such high-profile films. We are delighted their careers are at a point where they can contribute to films of this calibre, and we’re very proud that they’ve worked on films recognized by their peers as being worthy of an Oscar®.”

-       David Agnew
President, Seneca College

QUICK FACTS

• Ontario’s film and television industry supports nearly 30,000 jobs and contributed $1.26 billion to Ontario’s economy in 2011, an increase of 31 per cent over 2010.
• Ontario’s tax credits to support the film and television industry are valued at $290 million annually.

LEARN MORE

• Check out PV Labs innovative camera stabilization equipment in action.
• Read more about Side Effects Software’s innovative technology.
• Learn more about the Ontario Media Development Corporation.
• Learn about Seneca College’s Visual Effects for Film and Television program.

For more information, contact:

Ainsley Martin, Media Relations, Brand Marketing

Tel: 416-314-8704

E-mail: ainsley.martin@ontario.ca

 

Ontario News – 27.02.2012

Ontario’s Clean Energy Workforce Continues to Grow
Ontario Government Supports Sustainable Energy Training for Students

 Ontario’s sustainable energy technology programs are helping build a skilled workforce to meet the demand for clean energy jobs and strengthen the province’s position as a clean energy leader in North America.

Energy Minister Chris Bentley visited Sault College students in the Renewable Energy and Green Construction Techniques program, where they are training to be the next generation of highly-skilled workers in the province’s growing clean-energy industry. Ontario has introduced new post-secondary and apprenticeship programs focused on sustainable energy technology. Sault College is one of 13 colleges and three universities that offer programs related to clean energy. Program graduates will be qualified to assist with feasibility assessments, renewable energy system installations, and green construction and renovation.

Ontario offers companies one of the best workforces in the G7. They are well educated. About 62 percent of Ontario workers have a post-secondary education, which is a higher percentage than in any developed country.1

Ontario’s exceptional network of 20 universities2 and 24 colleges3 trains students in every field, from the skilled trades to the most advanced areas of science, engineering and business. Increasingly, Ontario’s formidable education sector is focusing on green energy courses and programs to produce the scientists, engineers, technicians and skilled trades’ people clean energy firms and investors need for development, innovation, manufacturing and construction.

QUOTES

 “Together, we are moving forward with our plan to build a modern, clean, reliable electricity system that Ontarians can count on. We’re eliminating coal-fired electricity generation for cleaner air, we’re creating jobs for our families today, and training Ontarians for the high-skilled jobs of tomorrow in our clean energy sector. This is the foundation for a strong economy.” – Chris Bentley Minister of Energy

“Environmental education is more than a program at Sault College – it is part of the college’s strategic focus. Helping to conserve our environment for future learners is no longer a choice; it’s an obligation that we strive to fulfil. The rising demand for environmentally-friendly approaches is inspiring the creation of a

 

1 Educational Indicators in Canada: An International Perspective, Statistics Canada 2011. Education at a Glance 2011, OECD

Indicators, OECD 2011.

2 Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities website lists Ontario universities at

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/list/univers.html

3 Ibid “About Ontario Colleges” http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/postsec/college.html

growing number of green jobs in Ontario and the training we deliver at Sault College prepares our

graduates to be successful in this emerging sector.”

– Dr. Ron Common

President, Sault College

QUICK FACTS

• • In Ontario, there are 120,000 apprentices learning a trade today — which is nearly 60,000 more than in 2002-03.

• • Ontario’s target for clean, renewable energy from wind, solar and bioenergy is 10,700 MW by

2018, the equivalent of taking up to 2.9 million homes off the grid.

• • So far, Ontario has brought more than 9,000 megawatts of new and refurbished clean energy online – enough to power cities the size of Ottawa and Toronto.

• • To keep the cost of postsecondary tuition within everyone’s reach, the Ontario Government is providing a grant to reduce undergraduate college and university tuition by an average of 30 per cent for families earning less than $160,000 per year.

LEARN MORE

• • Learn more about the Green Energy Act
• • Find out more about Ontario’s Long-Term Energy Plan
• • Read more about the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit

For more information, contact:

Ainsley Martin, Media Relations, Brand Marketing

Tel: 416-314-8704

E-mail: ainsley.martin@ontario.ca

 

Ontario News – 14.02.2012

Chevrolet Volt gets greener with Bullfrog Power Edition

A Canadian first: electric vehicle comes bundled with 100 per cent green electricity 

Toronto, ON, February 13, 2012—Bullfrog Power, Canada’s 100 per cent green energy provider, and Chevrolet Canada, today announced the launch of the Chevrolet Volt Bullfrog Power Edition—Canada’s first electric vehicle (EV) bundled with emissions-free, renewable electricity. For each edition sold, Bullfrog Power will inject onto the electricity grid as much clean, renewable electricity from EcoLogo^M-certified sources as the vehicle is estimated to use over two years.

“Chevrolet has secured their position in the EV market by offering the first and only extended range electric vehicle, and we’re proud to help them further green the vehicle through this unique partnership,” says Tom Heintzman, President, Bullfrog Power. “The world needs green trailblazers, and we applaud Chevrolet Canada for giving drivers a new transportation solution that is safe, reliable and now even more environmental.”

The Chevrolet Volt is not a hybrid. It is a one-of-a-kind, all-electrically driven vehicle designed and engineered to operate in all climates, with a range of up to 580 kilometres. Powered by GM’s revolutionary Voltec propulsion system, it consists of a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and electric drive unit that provide pure electric range between 40 and 80 kilometres, depending on terrain, driving techniques and temperature. A 1.4L gasoline-powered engine extends the range up to an additional 500 kilometres on a full tank of fuel by operating the vehicle’s electric drive system until the car can be plugged in and recharged or refueled. This distinguishes the Volt from electric-only vehicles, which cannot be operated when recharging is not immediately available—such as during a power interruption or on a long-distance trip.

When the Volt is charged with green electricity—rather than conventional electricity—the upstream emissions associated with fossil fuel-based electricity generation are eliminated.

Across Canada, Bullfrog’s electricity comes exclusively from wind and hydro facilities that have been certified as low impact by Environment Canada under its EcoLogo^M program—instead of from polluting sources like coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear. Bullfrog uses customer demand to support the development of new renewable generation in Canada.

“The Chevrolet Volt Bullfrog Power Edition combines the mobility and independence that Canadians want with the green technology and reduced impact that the world needs,” says Matt Crossley, Director of Canadian Engineering, GM Canada. “Our customers are making a commitment to technology that will dramatically reduce the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from driving. In turn, we commit to deliver the highest standards for value, safety, quality, performance and reliability.”

In addition to offering the Chevrolet Volt Bullfrog Power Edition, Chevrolet Canada is also bullfrogpowering^® its three Volt charging stations at its Canadian headquarters in Oshawa, Ontario, as well as its upcoming display at the Canadian International Autoshow being held in Toronto, February 17 to 25, 2012. GM Canada also bullfrogpowered the Canadian launch of the Volt at Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto in October 2011.

The Chevrolet Volt Bullfrog Power Edition is now available through select dealerships across Canada. The extra cost to purchase this edition of the Volt is $198.00 plus tax. This premium pays for the additional cost of greening the electricity that an average Volt is estimated to use over two years. The Chevrolet Volt Bullfrog Power Edition comes marked with a custom badge on the back of the vehicle. No special wiring or equipment is required.

Current Chevrolet Volt owners also have the option to choose green electricity from Bullfrog for their EVs. To learn more about the Chevrolet Volt Bullfrog Power Edition, contact your local Chevrolet dealer or visit www.chevrolet.ca.

About Bullfrog Power

Bullfrog Power, Canada’s 100 per cent green energy provider, provides renewable energy solutions that allow homes and businesses to reduce their environmental impact and help create a cleaner, healthier world. Bullfrog’s green electricity comes exclusively from wind and hydro facilities that have been certified as low impact by Environment Canada under its EcoLogo^M program instead of from polluting sources like coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear. A clean, renewable alternative to fossil-fuel based natural gas, Bullfrog’s green natural gas is produced in Canada from biogas facilities that have met strict environmental criteria as defined by ICF International. Thousands of Canadian homes and businesses are doing their part to address climate change and air pollution by switching to green energy with Bullfrog Power. Homes and businesses can sign up easily, quickly and affordably at www.bullfrogpower.com.

About Chevrolet in Canada:

Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 120 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Sonic, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly to gas-free” solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco consumes just 4.6 L/100 km on the highway while Volt offers up to 80 kilometres of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 500 kilometres of extended range. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.ca, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/chevroletcanada or by following @ChevroletCanada on Twitter.

 

News from Canada – 07.02.2012

German Logistics for Canadian Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association
Logistics become Olympic: Conceptum Sport Logistics partner and sponsor of BCS – Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton

As of now, the specialist and sport logistics provider Conceptum Sport Logistics (www.conceptum- sport-logistics.com), is the exclusive logistics partner of the Canadian Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association BCS (Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton - www.bobsleigh.ca).
The cooperation is already running and has been confirmed for the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi and beyond. The company, based near Frankfurt Airport, with offices all around the globe, will be in charge of transporting the highly sensitive pieces of sports equipment as well as the equipment of the entire team to the various competition sites.

Right at the tracks, Conceptum’s specialized team is also represented as a sponsor – besides providing logistics services, the focus of Conceptum is also on the people they work with. “We are partners for the transport of highly sensitive pieces of sports equipment. An athlete’s bobsleigh is as valuable and dear to him as one of Stradivarius’ violins – and our responsibility is to ensure its safe transport, so the athlete does not need to worry about it.” says Sebastian Stahl, Conceptum CEO.

This service also includes hotel bookings or travel arrangements for the teams.

The team of Conceptum really cares about cultural logistics projects of this kind – a number of cooperations with sports associations and Olympic committees around the world bear witness to this. For Sebastian Stahl, the cooperation with Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton is yet one more cornerstone of trust: “We want to be a real partner for the athletes – not merely a logistics provider”, he says. “Standing in for others and supporting them and their achievements is also cultural support.”

Quelle: www.presseportal.de