The province of Ontario, Canada is partnering with Huawei Canada to drive major research and development expansion project called 5G Ontario. Huawei Canada will invest $212 million to create hundreds of R&D jobs for Ontario’s highly skilled workers and further solidify the province as a global hub of the knowledge economy.
Premier Kathleen Wynne was at Huawei’s Canadian headquarters today to announce that Ontario is investing up to $16 million through the Jobs and Prosperity Fund to support Huawei Canada’s 5G Ontario R&D expansion plan.
5G Ontario will focus on advanced communications research initiatives including faster internet speeds and related technologies such as cloud computing, data analytics and mobile security. Huawei will create 250 new R&D jobs in the province as it establishes new research laboratories in Markham and Waterloo and expands its existing research facility in Ottawa.
“Last month, I was in India on another overseas trade mission. Today, I’m at Huawei Canada to announce that the company is investing an additional $212 million in an R&D project called 5G Ontario. It all connects to my first priority as Premier, which is creating good jobs in a growing economy. The investments our government is making in the talent and skills of our people, the trade missions I lead, the partnerships we’re entering with business and the dynamic, competitive environment we’re creating are all driving real investment, creating good jobs and laying the foundations for sustainable growth for years to come,” said Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario, Canada.
This agreement builds on Premier Wynne’s first trade mission to China in 2014, where it was announced in Beijing that Huawei would invest $210 million to expand in Ontario and create 250 highly-skilled R&D jobs. Today’s announcement supports those 250 new jobs and retains an additional 250 R&D jobs. In total, Huawei intends to invest up to $303 million in 5G and related research initiatives in Ontario over the next five years, $212 million of which is supported by the province’s Jobs and Prosperity Fund investment.
According to the Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure, Brad Duguid, “Huawei’s investment in Ontario is a huge vote of confidence in our province’s talented workforce and world-class innovation ecosystems. We are committed to strategically partnering with innovative companies like Huawei.”
The Huawei expansion project illustrates how Ontario’s Going Global Strategy is strengthening the province’s information and communications sector. International trade missions and strategic partnerships with business are both critical ways the government is attracting new investment, facilitating innovation and bolstering global exports.
“Our government is creating a competitive business environment and a vibrant culture of innovation for multinational businesses. Today’s investment by Huawei reinforces Ontario as the destination of choice for companies seeking the perfect research and development environment to bring their technologies to markets in North America and beyond.“ Explained, Michael Chan, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade.
“We are excited about expanding our research and development facilities in Ontario. The province has a vibrant innovation ecosystem that we are proud to be a part of for the past 6 years. Our Canadian research team is helping to drive pioneering projects around the world, and this accelerated investment in the Province of Ontario reflects our confidence in Ontario, and the talent of Ontario’s skilled ICT workforce.” Said, Ken Hu, Deputy Chairman, Huawei Technologies.
