Canadian Aerospace Succeeds on the World Stage

Minister Bains promotes the industry as a global success


FARNBOROUGH, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwired - July 13, 2016) - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Canada's aerospace companies demonstrated their global clout this week at the world's largest aviation trade exhibition. More than 400 Canadians representing 100 companies showcased their innovations and developed international business contacts that translate into highly skilled, well-paying jobs for Canadians working in this vibrant, export-driven industry.

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, led the Canadian delegation at the 2016 Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom. He was joined by the Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement. Their presence demonstrated the government's clear commitment to working in collaboration with the aerospace industry.

Minister Bains took the opportunity to meet with key executives from more than a dozen aerospace companies. His message at these meetings was consistent: the Government of Canada is committed to working with the aerospace and space sectors. That's because aerospace is a key economic engine for Canada, employing more than 211,000 Canadians in highly skilled jobs and helping to foster a thriving middle class. Canadian aerospace companies are thoroughly integrated into global supply chains, exporting nearly 80 percent of their products to international markets. And the sector continues to be an innovation leader, ranking as the top research and development spender within Canada's manufacturing sector.

While at Farnborough, Minister Bains announced that the government is now accepting statements of interest for the latest round of the Technology Demonstration Program, which provides funding for collaborative projects to demonstrate applications of key technologies. Projects under the program provide the basis for next-generation technologies-part of the central contribution of the aerospace sector to Canada's Innovation Agenda.

Minister Bains also announced a total of $4.9 million in financial support to 11 Quebec aerospace companies. These investments will strengthen the skills, knowledge and business expertise that create highly skilled and well-paying jobs for Canadians working in the aerospace industry. The funding will also enable these companies to get their products to market faster and more efficiently.

Quotes

"Canada's aerospace industry is a leading contributor to our economy in manufacturing output, exports and research and development activity. Internationally, Canada punches above its weight. Here at Farnborough, I was pleased to promote to the world the kind of made-in-Canada innovations that have made our country's aerospace industry a global success. The future of the industry looks bright, with its leadership in artificial intelligence, clean tech, hybrid electric jets and other exciting developments we can't yet imagine."

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the aerospace and space sectors as they are a key economic engine for Canada. This year's Farnborough International Airshow provided an important opportunity to meet directly with aerospace companies to discuss upcoming procurement priorities. The Canadian delegation had productive discussions with industry and international partners on ways we can make our procurement processes work better to further position Canada as a welcoming country in which to do business."

- The Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement

Quick facts

  • Canada's aerospace industry contributed more than $28 billion and 211,000 jobs to the Canadian economy in 2015.
  • Canadian aerospace manufacturing was the number one research and development investor within the country's manufacturing sector.
  • Nearly 80 percent of made-in-Canada aerospace products were exported in 2015.

Follow Minister Bains on social media.

Twitter: @MinisterISED

Contact Information:

Philip Proulx
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation,
Science and Economic Development
343-291-2500

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca