IT News Atlantic Canada

Maurice Tuff, chief executive officer of Newfoundland’s tiny Lemur Vehicle Monitors, a maker of wireless communications devices for cars, is thrilled that Fiat SpA and Chrysler Group LLC are coming together to form the world’s seventh-largest automotive group. While Lemur so far sells its products only to car owners, Mr. Tuff hopes that, one day, the manufacturers themselves will offer Lemur’s gadgets as optional equipment on new cars; dealing with Fiat and Chrysler as one would open up a transatlantic market.

According to Brad deYoung, a professor of physical oceanography from Newfoundland’s Memorial University, some fish species appear to be moving as much as five kilometres northward each year, seeking colder waters as the oceans warm. DeYoung’s research notes that due to using innovations like ocean gliders and bio-optical and acoustic sensors, “we can now say how water depth, circulation and winds influence the movement of marine organisms.” DeYoung was to present his findings at the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s (AAAS) conference in Vancouver.

The Holyrood Marine Base is expanding its capacity for ocean-related research and training programs with the help of $279,600 from the provincial government. The marine base is a training and research facility operated by the Marine Institute of Memorial University. It provides students, researchers and ocean technology companies with access to the tools and environment they need to develop their products.

Empower Technologies Corporation announced that it has signed a share purchase agreement with Northstar Electronics, Inc. to purchase 100% of its wholly owned subsidiary, Northstar Network Ltd., for $1,000,000 cash, 3,000,000 warrants and assumption of NNL's liabilities.

A tidal energy developer hopes to begin producing electricity from $30 million worth of proposed Digby County projects in four years. Fundy Tidal Inc. recently received provincial approval for two projects and is expecting the provincial Energy Department to soon OK a third one.

Nova Scotia Power and partners introduced their ShareReady electric vehicle pilot program. As electric vehicles take charge of Halifax Regional Municipality’s suburbs in the coming years, a condition called range anxiety will likely become prevalent among early adopters. That is the term many people use to describe the worry about getting stranded and out of range of a charger.

Engineered Coated Products L.P. on Abbey Road will receive more than $52,000 from the provincial Productivity Investment Program, or PIP, to upgrade their equipment and also train employees on the technology.

The province of P.E.I. has chopped $500,000 from its capital budget for upgrading information technology for schools. The budget was meant to provide faster internet access and smart TVs for schools. The province says the cut is just a temporary saving measure. Next year it plans to double the money spent on technology upgrades.

A trade show focused on strengthening the business ties between the Southeast U.S. and Canada will take place this spring in Myrtle Beach, a popular vacation spot for Canadians. The program will focus on opportunities for companies in advanced manufacturing, technology and green economy sectors. Gov. Nikki Haley will host the conference, and New Brunswick's Premier David Alward will serve as co-host.

Rutter Inc. (TSX: RUT) released its unaudited first quarter consolidated financial statements for the three month period ended November 30, 2011. Rutter is a Newfoundland enterprise focused on providing innovative technologies and engineering solutions.