ITNovaScotia.com - Where IT's at in Nova Scotia > News - Xwave's defense and aerospace operation expanding

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Posted by: ITNovaScotia Admin	Wednesday, January 24, 2007
HALIFAX, NS — One of Canada's largest information and communications technology (ICT)services companies is growing its defence, security and aerospace operations in Nova Scotia. Premier Rodney MacDonald was joined today, Jan. 23, by Richard Hurlburt, Minister of Economic Development; Don McClure, managing director, Defence, Security and Aerospace, xwave; and Stephen Lund, president and CEO of Nova Scotia Business Inc.; to announce the planned growth in xwave's defence and aerospace operation. NSBI authorized a payroll rebate to a maximum of $4,515,000 over a five-year period to create up to 250 incremental full-time jobs. "Defence and aerospace is a strategic growth sector for Nova Scotia," said Premier MacDonald. "This province's leadership in both technology and talent provides the right conditions for a growth-oriented company like xwave." "Today's announcement is great news for Nova Scotia," said Mr. Hurlburt. "xwave provides opportunities for skilled and educated Nova Scotians to further their careers with a leading company here at home." "Nova Scotia recognizes and values the importance of its local defence and aerospace industry," said Mr. McClure. "Investing in a province that not only supports the industry, but has the skilled workforce to build on, makes good business sense. It helps make Nova Scotians more marketable within their own province, across Canada and around the globe." xwave employs about 1,500 people across North America, including about 300 people in Nova Scotia. "xwave's involvement will provide more opportunities to Nova Scotia's defence and aerospace industry," said Mr. Lund. "Nova Scotia has the right complement of skilled and educated people to help support xwave's growth plans. The company has strong relationships with Nova Scotia's education sector, supports many programs and is a key employer of graduates." About Nova Scotia Business Inc. Nova Scotia Business Inc. is Nova Scotia's private-sector-led business development agency. As the investment attraction arm of the province, NSBI helps companies in Nova Scotia meet their growth potential through business advisory, export development and financial services. About Bell Aliant Bell Aliant (TSX:BA.UN), through its operating entities, serves its customers throughout six Canadian provinces with innovative information and communication technology (ICT) solutions including telephony, wireless, Internet, data, video, IT professional services and value-added solutions. Bell Aliant also provides IT professional services through its xwave offices in Canada and in the US. Bell Aliant’s 10,500 employees build on its 100 plus year history by collaborating to deliver the highest quality of customer service, choice and convenience. About xwave xwave, a Division of Bell Aliant, is a full-service business-solutions provider that serves clients through systems integration, infrastructure services, and fulfillment. These areas offer clients a broad delivery capability: xwave plans, designs, builds and operates complete ICT solutions that meet business-process needs and are designed to deliver a tangible return on technology investments. With more than $355 million in revenues and 1,500 people, xwave is one of the largest business-solutions organizations in Canada, with locations in St. John’s, Halifax, Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, Charlottetown, Summerside, Ottawa, Toronto, New England, Washington DC, Florida, and Colorado. More information can be found at http://www.xwave.com For further information, contact: Karen.Ewing@xwave.com 877-332-4605 Sarah Levy Nova Scotia Business Inc. 902-222-3658 levyse@gov.ns.ca

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Comments (2)

Re: Xwave's defense and aerospace operation expanding	By Tom R. on Wednesday, January 24, 2007
So was Bell Aliant going broke? What about Bell Canada? Why are we investing in jobs by giving money to large corporations/income trusts? What guarantees do we have that these jobs exist? Didn't they announce that helicopter thing years ago, back in chretien's day? NSBI needs to spur the bottom lines of small businesses, not shareholders.

Re: Xwave's defense and aerospace operation expanding	By p.b. on Wednesday, January 24, 2007
So did xwave go looking for assistance or did NSBI come to them? Seems odd that a company backed by the likes of Bell would need assistance like this. Does anyone know what the mandate is for NSBI in terms of who they fund and for what purposes? Seems to be mostly for publicity. Didn't they recently fund SportDirect, who said they weren't even looking for assistance?