MAG Canada has been contributing to the Canadian aviation industry since 1950 when it was originally established to provide aerial crop dusting and aerial forest spraying services in Southern Ontario. The company eventually expanded into the area of aerial forest fire protection services and the headquarters was moved to Dryden, Ontario. MAG Canada has been a key supplier of Aerial Fire Management and Air Charter services to the Ontario government for over 30 years. Over its history, MAG Canada has flown over 200,000 hours, responded to over 7,000 wildfires, and currently protects over 55 million hectares.
1950
Mervin Hicks partnered with Thomas Lawrence to develop an aerial crop dusting company named Hicks & Lawrence Limited
1962
Grumman Avenger aircraft were acquired to provide aerial spraying services as well as aerial fire suppression services (Water Bombing) to the Ontario government. The Ontario government later internalized this program.
1970
Ontario government contracted the company to provide forest fire airspace and management (Birddog) services to augment the water bombing services provided by the Avengers.
1985
The Ontario government awarded the company a contract to provide Birddog Aircraft Services. MAG has been the exclusive provider of this service under long-term contract in Ontario since this contract was initially awarded in 1985.
1987
The Ontario government awarded the company a contract to provide Detection Aircraft Services. With the exception of 1992 and 1994, MAG has been the exclusive provider of this service under long-term contract in Ontario since 1987.
2007
The company acquired the wheel division assets of Walsten Air Services (1986) Ltd. in order to introduce twin turbine aircraft into the Birddog Aircraft Services program
2016
The company was awarded a Call When Needed contract for Air Tactical services with the state of Minnesota.
2016
The Ontario government awarded MAG a long-term contract to provide Court Air Charter services to remote northern communities in Northwestern Ontario.
2017
Clairvest and MAG Aerospace acquire the Company. The goal of the acquisition is to expand the Company’s fire operations and leverage expertise in technology and sensing to provide enhanced wildfire management services
2017
The Saskatchewan government awarded MAG a contract to provide Fire Detection services.
