Aerospace Industries Association of Canada welcomes Aerospace Review findings

OTTAWA, Nov. 29, 2012 /CNW/ - Strong recommendations for industry and government contained in an independently conducted review of Canada's aerospace industry and factors influencing its future competitiveness have garnered support from the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada.

Produced by the Honourable David Emerson, the recently completed report "Beyond the Horizon: Canada's Interest and Future in Aerospace" is the product of an official Aerospace Review mandated by the Government of Canada in February 2012.

"Mr. Emerson recognizes the critical juncture the aerospace and space industry is facing and the urgent need for government, industry, academia and unions to adapt to a rapidly changing and highly competitive global environment," said David Schellenberg, Chairman of the AIAC Board of Directors. "Early and effective implementation of these policies is critical to achieving the intended results. Canada's aerospace industry is ready and willing to do its part."

Mr. Emerson's report proposes fiscally neutral public policy changes designed to boost the industry's competitiveness and its long-term benefits for Canada. Among the recommendations, AIAC considers several to have potential positive 'game-changing' impacts. These include:

• Making aerospace a priority in Canada's Science and Technology Strategy will ensure a more cohesive approach to the development and delivery of aerospace programs and policies and help maximize the benefits of private and public investments in aerospace.
• Improving the prioritization of technology investments and creating large-scale technology demonstration capacity will boost Canadian competitiveness and domestic capabilities to meet the growing demand for more efficient aircraft and space-related technologies.
• Streamlining programs including the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI) and transforming it into a sound, risk-sharing instrument will foster Canada's full aerospace and space R&D potential, in part by helping small aerospace firms access these resources to increase their competitiveness.
• Making aerospace a centerpiece of Canada's international trade agenda will demonstrate federal commitment to Canada's international aerospace industry, encourage state-to-state partnerships with emerging aerospace powers and improve Canadian access to foreign markets.
• Enhancing R&D collaboration will optimize the allocation of talent and resources, promote R&D intensity and yield economic benefits for Canada. Supporting supplier capacity development will help small and medium enterprises seize opportunities to participate in the global supply chain.
• Fully leveraging procurement tools such as Industrial Benefits and In-Service-Support will bolster industry capabilities through intellectual property and technology transfer.
• Ensuring that we are efficient, diligent and timely in our treatment of export control and certification regimes will make Canada a more responsive global competitor.
• Training students and workers for jobs in sophisticated aerospace manufacturing environments, and increasing promotion of the industry as a career of choice among youth will help build HR capacity and support higher quality Canadian jobs for future generations.
• Establishing clear federal priorities concerning space will enable Canada's space industry to prioritize its capabilities and better contribute to Canada's economic prosperity, security and other national interests.
• Stabilizing Canadian Space Agency funding will enable it to better serve Canada's public and industrial priorities.

"AIAC and its member companies are ready to work with the government to ensure the timely implementation of the Aerospace Review recommendations, for the benefit of all Canadians," said Mr. Schellenberg. "AIAC salutes the Government of Canada and Industry Minister Christian Paradis for mandating the Aerospace Review, and the Hon. David Emerson for bringing his extensive expertise to this thorough review of Canada's aerospace industry and the measures required to secure its future."

ABOUT AIAC:

AIAC is the national association representing Canada's aerospace manufacturing and services sector.  As the world's fifth-largest aerospace industry, Canada's aerospace sector generates more than $22 billion, exports 80% of its output. Investments of over $2 Billion make the aerospace industry the second largest R&D investor in Canada. Aerospace is responsible for the employment of 160,000 Canadians. AIAC represents the interests of over 700 aerospace companies across Canada.

ABOUT THE AEROSPACE REVIEW:

Information about the Aerospace Review, including copies of the Emerson Report, is available at www.aerospacereview.ca.

SOURCE: Aerospace Industries Association of Canada

Maryse Harvey, Senior Vice President
Aerospace Industries Association of Canada
[email protected]

Kristen VanderHoek, Director of Communications
Aerospace Industries Association of Canada
613 232-4297 x225, [email protected]