donor
David Bissett
Calgary philanthropist who gave SAIT $30 million for the Bissett Autonomous Aviation Park
Background
David Bissett is a Calgary philanthropist and a long-time supporter of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT).
On October 8, 2026, SAIT announced a $30-million gift from Bissett for the Bissett Autonomous Aviation Park, a facility for training, testing and certifying remotely piloted and autonomous aircraft.
Global News reported in 2019 that Bissett, a member of the Order of Canada, gave SAIT $30 million that year, and in 2014 he gave $5 million to help establish the Bissett Bursary Program.
Key facts
- Role
- Calgary philanthropist and long-time SAIT supportersource
- October 8, 2026 gift
- $30-million gift for the Bissett Autonomous Aviation Park at SAITsource
- Earlier gifts
- Gave $5 million in 2014 to help establish the Bissett Bursary Program, and a $30-million donation in 2019source
- Honour
- Member of the Order of Canada, according to Global News in 2019source
WYDE coverage of David Bissett
Sources
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