Thales Canada and Ontario Partnership Announced

Image courtesy of Thales

Thales Canada will partner with Ontario to create cutting-edge railway signalling systems. The collaboration will focus on research and advanced engineering to improve safety and efficiency. The development of a new communication-based train control system for subways, light rail and commuter rail systems will create 126 jobs in Ontario province. It will retain a further 963 in Toronto over a five-year period.

Funding

Ontario’s contribution to the programme will be $12million. This money will come from the Jobs and Prosperity Fund. A further investment of approximately $80million will come from the private sector.

Improving the Future of Ontario

Canada is currently driving innovation by partnering with businesses. It is hoped that initiatives such as these will grow the economy and create jobs, whilst at the same time expanding access to college and university education in order to fill the skilled jobs created by these initiatives. By investing in public infrastructure which is low-carbon, high-growth and export-orientated, the long-term future of the city will be improved.

Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure, said:

“Our number-one priority is growing the economy and creating jobs. Our support for Thales will help it ramp up its research and development work and leverage new and innovative technologies. These efforts will allow Thales to strengthen its product offerings in the transportation sector, and increase its global competitiveness.”

Mark Halinaty, President and CEO, Thales Canada, said:

“We are pleased to partner with Ontario as we develop the next generation of rail signalling solutions. We look forward to continuing to tap into the province’s talented workforce as we expand our operations here.”