Published: October 2, 2024
October 2, 2024 – Halifax, NS – The Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association (ACADA) is thrilled to announce the nominees for the 2024 Industry Excellence Awards. These prestigious awards were presented at the annual ACADA Dinner, taking place on October 2, 2024, at the Halifax Convention Centre.
The Industry Excellence Awards highlight the remarkable achievements of our membership, recognizing companies that exemplify excellence in the aerospace and defence sectors. This year, we are excited to celebrate four outstanding categories:
-Innovation Leader: THALES
-Business Development Distinction: MARSHALL CANADA
-Most Promising Start-Up or Business Diversification: GALAXIA
-Diversity and Inclusion Excellence: SmartICE Sea Ice Monitoring & Information Inc.
“On behalf of ACADA and our Board of Directors, I extend my congratulations to all nominees for this year’s Industry Excellence Awards,” said Victoria Belbin, CEO of ACADA. “Each nominee represents the exceptional talent and innovation bursting within Atlantic Canada’s A&D sector and is proof of the power of regional collaboration. We were proud to celebrate each of these companies this evening and look forward to their continued growth.”
About ACADA
The Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association (ACADA) is a collaborative SME-focused organization representing the interests of the aerospace, defense, and security industries in Atlantic Canada. ACADA comprises approximately 180+ industry members and organizations across the region, delivering products and services to the global marketplace in land, marine, and air/space domains for both commercial and defense applications. Learn more at: https://ac-ada.ca/
About THALES
Thales is a global technology leader with more than 81,000 employees on five continents. The Group is investing in digital and “deep tech” innovations – Big Data, artificial intelligence, connectivity, cybersecurity and quantum technology – to build a future we can all trust. In the markets of defence and security, aerospace and space, digital identity and cybersecurity, Thales provides solutions, services and products to help its customers – companies, organisations and governments – to carry out their critical missions. Learn more: https://www.thalesgroup.com/en
Brief from the winning submission:
Thales Canada invests nearly $40 million annually in research and development, focusing on enhancing the innovation and commercial capabilities of Atlantic Canada’s aerospace and defense industry. In 2024, Thales launched the National Digital Excellence Centre (NDEC) in Fredericton and initiated the second season of the COVE Naval Technology Innovation Challenges, driving innovation in cybersecurity, digital transformation, and sustainability. Thales also invested in local SMEs, such as Virtual Marine, to accelerate their capabilities and foster the next generation of talent. Through mentorship, collaboration, and strategic investments, Thales strengthens Atlantic Canada’s innovation ecosystem, supporting long-term prosperity and defense industry growth.
About MARSHALL CANADA
Marshall Canada provides applied engineering services and product solutions to domestic and international customers alike. For over 100 years, Marshall has delivered a wide range of ground-breaking engineering solutions across land, sea and air. It is this experience, coupled with the ability to be flexible, agile and responsive, that sets Marshall Canada apart from its competitors and enables us to tailor engineering services that meet a broad range of operational requirements. Learn more: https://marshallgroup.com/en-ca
Brief from the winning submission:
In May, The Power Team, led by Marshall Canada and GDLS-Canada, secured a $2.58 billion contract to modernize the Canadian Armed Forces’ logistics vehicles. This project involves creating mission modules at Marshall’s new Moncton facility, which will significantly contribute to New Brunswick’s metal manufacturing sector. The initiative is expected to create over 500 jobs by 2028 and boost the province’s fabricated metal manufacturing sector GDP by 15% by 2026. Marshall Canada’s strategic efforts and collaboration have positioned it for substantial growth in the Canadian defense industry and we are happy that this project is making a significant contribution to Atlantic Canada.
About GALAXIA
GALAXIA is a leading Canadian space technology company, supported by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), specializing in advanced satellite systems and real-time, in-orbit data processing. With end-to-end mission planning capabilities, we bring Canadian innovation to space, from satellite design to launch and operations. Learn more: https://gx.space/
Brief from the winning submission:
GALAXIA Mission Systems, a Nova Scotia-based start-up, has quickly established itself as a leader in the aerospace and defense sector through innovative technologies like its Möbius Software Defined Satellite (SDS) system. The company has secured major government contracts and a nearly $2 million dollar investment from the Canadian Space Agency, enabling commercialization of its cutting-edge solutions. With a strong leadership team and strategic growth plans, GALAXIA is well-positioned to continue its rise as a key player in the A&D industry.
About SMARTICE
SmartICE offers a suite of climate change adaptation tools that integrate Indigenous and local knowledge of ice with advanced data acquisition, remote monitoring and satellite mapping for ice travel safety. Our community-based services provide invaluable, data-driven insights into ice thickness and local ice travel conditions, in near real-time. Learn more: https://smartice.org/
Brief from the winning submission:
SmartICE integrates Indigenous knowledge with advanced technology to ensure ice travel safety in more than 30 Northern Canadian communities. As an Indigenous-led organization, it prioritizes Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) by employing Indigenous staff and involving communities in program design and decision-making. With 35% of core staff and 100% of Inuit Nunangat community staff being Indigenous, SmartICE works closely with local governance structures and creates inclusive Community Management Committees. Through respectful community engagement and annual climate surveys, SmartICE remains committed to reconciliation, supporting Indigenous youth, and fostering cultural inclusion in all its operations.
Media Contact
Katie Feltmate
Marketing and Events Coordinator
katie.feltmate@ac-ada.ca
[902-222-7330]