Thales Canada will set up shop in the new West Coast Operations Centre
MILL BAY – Advanced technology research and technology giant Thales has announced it is partnering in a new West Coast Operations Centre with Malahat Nation in the Malahat Business Park.
The new West Coast Operations Centre will support the Royal Canadian Navy’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships and Joint Ships In-Serve (AJISS) Program where Thales will oversee the refit, repair and maintenance of the Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) and Joint Support Ships (JSS) fleets, together with the Royal Canadian Navy and the Fleet Maintenance Facilities.
Thales is a global leader in advanced technologies within three domains: Defence, Aerospace and Cyber and Digital. It has 81,000 employees in 68 countries, and Thales Canada combines over 50 years of experience with over 1,300 skilled people from coast-to-coast.
“Ensuring the mission readiness of the Royal Canadian Navy’s fleets is critically important and this new operations centre demonstrates our commitment to delivering best-in-class in-service support capabilities to the Royal Canadian Navy,” says Chris Pogue, CEO of Thales Canada. “This partnership with the Malahat Nation underscores Thales’ dedication to working with Indigenous communities, fostering mutual growth, and emphasizing sustainable practices.”
The facility is designed with environmental sustainability in mind, aiming to minimize its carbon footprint while promoting responsible resource management. Thales and the Malahat Nation share a vision for a sustainable future, prioritizing ecological stewardship and community involvement.
“We are excited to collaborate with Thales on this initiative,” says Chief George Harry, Malahat Nation. “This partnership represents an important step toward empowering our community and ensuring that our voices are heard in technological advancements that will shape the future.”
The new development was built in partnership with Yos Economic Development, the business management arm of the Malahat Nation, and is located on the traditional territories of the Me’luxulh mustimuhw. This partnership with Yos Economic Development is a result of Thales Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) commitments to Canada through its participation in the AOPS and JSS In-Service Support program.
The Mill Bay facility will incorporate an innovative water capture and re-use system that enhances the sustainable use of water in support of the maintenance of the natural landscape. Water is an essential environmental element that holds significant cultural importance to the Malahat community.
“Creating meaningful economic opportunities for Indigenous nations that respect their values of sustainable resource management is essential for building a fairer society,” says François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “Through Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, the partnership between the Malahat Nation and Thales to build a West Coast Operations Centre provides important economic benefits to the community.”
Business Examiner Staff
