Nokia expands Canadian facility, will create 340 new jobs

OTTAWA–Nokia Corp. announced Monday that it is planning to expand its operations in the nation’s capital, building a new research and development (R&D) facility on its Kanata campus. The move is expected to create 340 new jobs and additional co-op and internship opportunities for students. Flanked by members of all three levels of government, president and CEO Pekka Lundmark said the Finnish company will invest $340 million in the project. The federal government is kicking in $40 million, the province $30 million and the city a further $2 million. “This world-class, sustainable R&D hub will be one of Nokia’s most dynamic developments–and I’m proud that it will benefit the people of Ottawa also,” he said. “I want to express my appreciation to the local, provincial and national governments for working with us on this project.” “Today’s announcement reinforces Nokia’s commitment to the Canadian market, where we have invested $1.2 billion in R&D over the past five years,” Nokia Canada president Jeffrey Maddox stated. “Nokia’s R&D hub will generate net-new Canadian IP and bring innovative advanced telecommunications and cybersecurity technologies to market, helping us achieve our goal of improving people’s lives in Canada and across the world.” The new facility will concentrate on cybersecurity, 5G research and ultimately 6G research, Maddox added. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was among the dignitaries who addressed the crowd at the session. “The project we’re announcing will help connect Canadians to the jobs of today and tomorrow,” he said. “It will bring economic benefits to the National Capital Region and stimulate Canada’s tech ecosystem. This is about building a strong economy and a better future for everyone.” Ontario Premier Doug Ford was bullish on the announcement. “This monumental investment from Nokia shows once again that there is no better place for businesses to grow and jobs to be created than here in Ontario,” he remarked. “We are proud to work alongside our partners to secure hundreds more in demand, high-skill jobs for the Ottawa region and we welcome this long-term commitment from Nokia to our province.” “Today’s announcement will help enable exciting new technologies that will have a transformative effect on Canada’s economy and the day-to-day lives of Canadians,” Innovation, Science and Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne said. “By partnering with Nokia, Canada is strengthening its digital infrastructure and cementing its position at the forefront of digital technology.” Afterward provincial cabinet minister Vic Fedeli boasted of the province’s work in the high tech industry. “These tech sector announcements are hugely important, especially here in Kanata,” the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creations and Trade told the Wire Report. “Five hundred and fifty companies here, 2,400 people will be working at Nokia. That’s an incredibly important announcement.” Nokia’s move is seen as vital because the federal government banned the use of equipment from Chinese companies Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. and ZTE Corp. in 5G networks last spring. Champagne has said Canadian telecoms will not be reimbursed for replacing Chinese technology with equipment from other countries. Nokia expects to break ground on the new facility next year and to have it fully operational by 2026. –Reporting by Paul Park at ppark@thewirereport.ca and editing by Jenna Cocullo at jcocullo@thewirereport.ca.

Nokia expands Canadian facility, will create 340 new jobs

News | October 17, 2022

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Nokia expands Canadian facility, will create 340 new jobs

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