Carleton University and NAV CANADA have signed an agreement to work toward establishing an Aerospace Centre of Excellence in Cornwall, Ont. that would offer a variety of pioneering programs to students.

The undertaking will integrate the expertise of NAV CANADA, the country’s Air Navigation Services Provider, and Carleton, home of Canada’s first Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering program in the research-intensive Faculty of Engineering and Design.

“One of Carleton’s central goals is to work with neighbouring communities,” said Carleton President Roseann O’Reilly Runte. “This entrepreneurial initiative brings together the knowledge and skills of those working at NAV CANADA and Carleton University in support of economic development. Together we will foster regional and international growth through education.”

Potential programs will include professional certification courses in the areas of pilot training, air traffic management and airport management. It is expected that additional programs will be offered in the near future.

“NAV CANADA, and specifically the NAV CENTRE, are well positioned to help bring this initiative to fruition,” says Neil Wilson, NAV CANADA Executive Vice President, Administration and General Counsel. “Our Cornwall facilities are ideal for a specialized campus, with its comprehensive learning spaces as well as student accommodations, while our organization’s expertise in Air Traffic Management will support related course delivery and provide access to leading industry technologies and simulation training.”

“At Carleton, we provide leading-edge programs that address the needs of the aerospace industry,” said Rafik Goubran, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Design. “The collaboration with NAV CANADA will improve Canada’s position in the global aviation market.”

Next steps include refining terms of reference, scope of work and a business model, with a target of having a small selection of courses operating in the fall of 2016.

The aerospace endeavour is just one area of co-operation between Carleton and Cornwall-based organizations. A committee comprised of representatives from Cornwall, Carleton, Akwesasne Mohawk Territory and the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry has been working since 2014 on ways to deliver niche post-secondary programs in Cornwall that build on its economic and cultural profile.

Working with the Ontario Government, the committee is focused on developing a collaborative degree program in Environmental Science, Management and Stewardship, forging initiatives in First Nations governance and capacity building and strengthening pathways for students between Carleton and St. Lawrence College.