The cleantech sector is on the cusp of driving Canada’s economic growth, according to a report from Russell Mitchell Group and not-for-profit Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC). Canada ranks third as an early adopter for clean technology. The report, based on input from more than 160 cleantech companies, said the cleantech sector in Canada grew 47% during the 2008-09 recession. That could increase to 117% from 2010-12, the report projected, with the highest growth rates being found in power generation, energy efficiency, smart grid, and industrial process efficiency.
Read more : Cleantech proves to be strong driver for Canadian economy

Networking site LinkedIn now has more than two million Canadian members on its site, almost double what it was just one year ago, making it one of its fastest-growing markets among the 200 countries it has members. The California based company, which is geared to connecting professionals online, will open an office and hire staff in Canada to meet that burgeoning demand. An educated work force and robust economy are two factors luring the company. LinkedIn plans to open an office in Toronto and is recruiting among its members to hire a country manager, followed by a sales and marketing team.
Read more : LinkedIn to set up office in Canada as demand continues to soar

GM Canada is recalling 600 workers as auto maker adds a third shift at its Oshawa assembly plant and ramps up its factory in Ingersoll, Ontario. The company says the changes are in response to growing customer demand for the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. A third shift in Oshawa will be added in October to do the work. Employees at CAMI will be recalled and 70 new jobs are expected to be added by August.
Read more : GM to ramp up production at Ontario plant

Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace of Norway will create jobs and invest in Canada by opening a new manufacturing facility in London, Ontario. The new facility is expected to directly create up to 100 jobs in the London area, with a further 500 jobs through supplier activity. These high-tech jobs will strengthen Canada’s manufacturing and defence sectors as well as the larger research community. Phase 1 of the project includes a $30-50 million investment.
Read more : Kongsberg to open manufacturing facility in Canada

To promote more clean energy production the Alberta government is expanding and extending an incentive program for producers of bioenergy products. The Bioenergy Producer Credit Program is being extended for five years until 2016. The program will help Alberta meet its climate change targets by reducing emissions while also providing value-added opportunities and long-term stability to Alberta’s agriculture and forestry industries. The program provides incentives to develop a wide variety of bioenergy products including fuels, power and heat, which will support the Renewable Fuels Standard to be implemented in April 2011.
Read more : Alberta increases support for clean energy production

Canada ranked eighth among G-20 members in 2009 global clean energy investments and finance, according to data by The Pew Charitable Trusts. Last year, Canada invested $3.3 billion in the clean energy sector. "The clean energy economy represents one of the greatest economic opportunities of the 21st century and Canada is among the leaders," said Phyllis Cuttino, who directs the Pew Environment Group’s Global Warming Campaign. The $3.3 billion investment in 2009 represented an 80% annual increase. The report tracks and measures global investment activity – ranging from venture capital, initial public offerings from companies seeking to expand, mergers and acquisitions and lending for large-scale projects.
Read more : Canada ranks 8th for clean energy investments

ABAS Software announced the opening of abas Business Solutions Canada, with offices in Vancouver and Toronto. These new locations will allow ABAS to deliver local services and support to new and existing customers in the Canadian market. ABAS is located in Germany and has established several clients in Canada in recent years.
Read more : Germany’s ABAS Software announces two new offices in Canada

Mobile Interactive Group (MIG), a global mobile and digital communications business, headquartered in England, is expanding in Canada by opening a new office in Toronto. The move has been driven by growing client demand for the agency’s integrated approach to delivering and implementing multi-channel digital campaigns that pull on the group’s expertise across a broad range of online, mobile, and digital marketing and technology disciplines.
Read more : Mobile Interactive Group opens office in Toronto

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment will be setting up shop in Montreal, creating 300 jobs in the video game market over the next five years. The company said Montreal was an attractive choice because of the large talent pool in the city and the tax benefits for coming to Quebec. The company said it was impressed with the quality of graduates coming out of Quebec’s universities. Warner Bros, based in California, is the eighth-largest video-game company in North America.
Read more : Warner Bros to set up shop in Montreal, create 300 jobs

Ontario is helping the Ontario Aerospace Council match Ontario’s leading-edge, innovative companies with global aerospace leaders. The Council is hosting On the Wings of Innovation 2010 in Windsor, June 4-6th. The goal of the event is to push the boundaries of aerospace technology and spark new ideas that lead to market-driven solutions. The announcement supports the province’s new five-year Open Ontario plan that will help open the province to new economic opportunities and will result in new jobs and growth.
Read more : Government of Ontario helps aerospace companies connect with industry leaders