Penny Leach

Work experience with the City of Cold Lake includes development of an Economic Diversification Strategy focused on aviation, aerospace and defence. Both training and business development strategies have been articulated. In partnership with Portage College, a Transport Canada Approved Training Organization (ATO) has been established that allows for an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Structures program to be launched in the summer of 2026.

An agreement has been achieved with DND secures seats in the program for Canadian Airforce. Development of SkySensus, a Beyond Visual Line of Sight Industrial and Technological Benefit project with Peraton (Arcfield) created significant technological advancement regarding beyond-visual-line of Sight with three Alberta SMEs.

UAS experience was also gained with working directly with the Foremost UAS Test Range. Extensive history with Indigenous groups on major projects including the Babcock’s Indigenous Inclusion policy; stakeholder in ISED’s Indigenous inclusion strategy; establishment of self-governance strategies, policy and funding with Indigenous groups. The Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre, a facility now operating at the Saskatoon International Airport, supports Aircraft Maintenance Engineer training. Major ITB funding was provided by Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky, Rockwell Collins.