CALGARY, Alberta, Canada — The Government of Alberta and Siemens have entered into a new long-term collaborative relationship with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU). The agreement is focusing on spurring new business opportunities, expanding Siemens’ footprint in the province, diversifying Alberta’s economy and helping the province transition to a low-carbon economy. It was signed by Alberta’s Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Deron Bilous and Siemens Canada CEO, Robert Hardt.
Areas both parties wish to collaborate on align with policy priorities of Alberta’s Government and include studies into the adoption of technologies and application of best practices that can:
- improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions, helping manage the transition from coal to renewables;
- improve the performance and reliability of Alberta’s energy infrastructure;
- support the creation of sustainable infrastructure including in the transportation, energy, and buildings sectors;
- enable the diversification of Alberta’s economy, including the transfer of key elements of Industrie 4.0 in the manufacturing sector;
- increase effectiveness and efficiency of the healthcare system;
- realize a strategy to create work-integrated learning opportunities.
“Companies across Alberta are leading the way in building an economy that’s diverse and resilient with new jobs and training opportunities for Albertans that will have a global impact in research and innovation,” said Deron Bilous, Minister of Economic Development and Trade. “The world is watching the way we work together, and we’re showing them Alberta is a great place to do business.”
The agreement builds upon an existing MOU signed in 2013 and reaffirms the commitment from both parties to continued collaboration with Alberta’s industrial community, innovation system (Alberta Innovates) and research community (Campus Alberta).
“Canada is an important market for Siemens globally and we continue to see a great deal of opportunity in Alberta with the diversification of its economy and energy landscape,” confirms Lisa Davis, Managing Board Member, Siemens AG. “We anticipate looking at how Siemens’ extensive portfolio can align with the priorities of the Alberta government.”
New to the latest MOU agreement is a strong focus on training and work-integrated education initiatives. Alberta is already a leading partner of the Siemens Canada Engineering and Technology Academy (SCETA), specifically the dual-education program, an enhanced skills training and career-start curriculum in which students “earn as they learn.” NAIT and the University of Alberta are both participating in a dual-education pilot currently underway in Ontario led by Siemens Canada and Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters with support from the Government of Canada. The MOU includes a commitment to study possible expansion of the Siemens Canada Engineering and Technology Academy (SCETA) program in Alberta.
“Siemens has a solid footprint in Alberta and a long history of implementing sustainable solutions in the province. We’re excited to continue our collaborative efforts with the government, bringing best practices from around the world to the table and looking at how technology can advance the agenda around key opportunities and challenges in Alberta,” said Robert Hardt, CEO, Siemens Canada Limited.
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