Eagle Graphite Inc. is a producer and processor of high-carbon flake graphite. The company’s graphite mine, located in British Columbia, provides high-quality flake graphite, which is commonly used to create advanced composite materials. Graphite has uses such as aerospace and automotive parts, sports equipment, and alternative-energy fuel cells. The ability to manipulate this material in…
In order for Canada to become internationally competitive in the automotive industry, our nation must become leaders in product and process improvements. Leveraging knowledge-based resources such as skilled labourers, researchers, and state-of-the art equipment will help Canadian firms to develop a sustainable competitive advantage. Thankfully, the Government of Canada supports automotive industry competitiveness by offering…
Unifor, Canada’s largest automotive workers’ union, recently approved new 4-year labour deals with General Motors and Chrysler-Fiat Automobiles. The agreements, which also prevented a potential October 10 strike, will secure slight increases to wages and pensions of workers. However, the real gains made through these negotiations come from securing new investments into Canadian production facilities. Negotiations…
BioAmber Inc. is a Montreal-based manufacturer of renewable biochemicals including bio-succinic acid, a building block chemical made from corn syrup. The company uses naturally-occurring sugars found in plant matter and transforms them into clean, green chemicals. Some of the products made from biochemical compounds include food flavour and additives, personal care products, adhesives, paints, and…
The Western Innovation Initiative (WINN) is a research and development funding program for small businesses located in western Canada. Companies operating in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba may apply for up to 50% of their project’s expenses to a maximum $3.5 million in repayable funding contributions. Innovative businesses use this fund to lead their…
Most Canadians share an inaccurate, out-of-date view of how businesses grow and succeed in international markets. Gone are the days where businesses manufactured products in Canada and shipped them internationally; now companies must extend beyond borders and become part of an integrated international value chain. Traditional trade measurements fail to recognize is the effect that…
Jet planes were always something that amazed me growing up. Taking a giant metal ship and make it soar through the sky at 1,000 km/h by burning dinosaur remains was undeniably cool. I was far from alone in this method of thinking; in Ontario aerospace is a big deal. The Ontario aerospace sector, despite what…
Dajcor Aluminum Ltd. engineers and manufacturers extruded and fabricated metal components. Their products are used for a range of industries, including the automotive, construction, marine, and indoor plumbing sectors. The Chatham-Kent, Ontario-based business has been in operations since 2010 and now maintains 140 employees. The aluminum manufacturer was recently announced as recipients of over $1…
Can industry-led research and development help Canada transition to a knowledge-based economy? The Government of Canada thinks so, and has been calling on businesses across the country to become more innovative by all means possible. Since the Liberal government took power in Canada, there has been a stark contrast in the way economic development has…
The Canada-Alberta Job Grant (CAJG) is a small business grant providing businesses with grants to train their employees. Companies can offset third-party training costs by up to 66%, enabling employers to develop a more skilled workforce. As of June 2016, more than $29 million in funding has been claimed by Canada-Alberta Job Grant applicants. Over…