Aerospace Industries Association of Canada congratulates the Government for
long awaited improvements to the Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB)
Policy

OTTAWA , Sept. 24 /CNW Telbec/ - The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) commends the Government of Canada's announced improvements to the IRB policy. "These improvements will provide the necessary flexibility and motivation to attract the right investments and target the technologies of the future and will lead to more strategic and beneficial investment decisions by companies," said Dr. Claude Lajeunesse , President & CEO of AIAC.

"This announcement is a significant step toward our industry's goal of optimizing the impact of IRBs," added Claude Lajeunesse . "It paves the way for Canadian industry to shift from the traditional model of being 'Local Suppliers' to being 'Global Players' in the Global Value Chain. It also reinforces the industry's efforts within the Future Major Platforms Initiative by focusing on the technologies of the future. The announcement opens doors to global opportunities and new world product mandates for our suppliers and will help them become active participants in collaborative R&D and Technology Demonstration projects," Dr. Lajeunesse added.

"The Canadian aerospace industry is committed to demonstrating its capabilities and its willingness to work with the Primes to find innovative and effective ways to deliver on the IRB commitments. While the early stages of implementation may be challenging, we are confident that through collaboration, we will achieve outstanding results," says Paul Kalil , Chairman of the AIAC.

"We are committed to working closely with the Government in providing our Forces with the most reliable, effective and efficient equipment and systems solutions possible and to do so in a manner that will contribute to the sustainability of a "state-of-the-art" Defence Industrial Base," added Paul Kalil , Chairman of the AIAC. "These changes to the policy will contribute to the creation of a more robust and advanced defence industry supplier base. This, in turn, will enhance our industry's ability to meet the Canadian Forces' future military needs and support the creation of highly skilled and specialized jobs for Canadians across Canada ."

With annual revenues of $23.6 billion , Canada's aerospace industry and defence industrial base is a key contributor to the Canadian economy, employing more than 80,000 highly skilled workers and exporting more than 80% of its production. These jobs are challenged daily by emerging countries that see the benefits of investing in the aerospace and defence industries. It is increasingly important that Canada continue to be a world leader and adopt visionary policies and practices. The improvements to the IRB policy are a large step in the right direction. The AIAC looks forward to further Defence Procurement Policy advancements in Canada .

    
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    The AIAC is the national trade association of Canada's aerospace
    manufacturing and service sector - the fourth largest aerospace industry
    in the world. The Association represents the interests of more than 400
    companies in all regions of the country.
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For further information: Maryse Harvey, Vice-President Public Affairs, Aerospace Industries Association of Canada, [phone], [email protected]