AIAC supports signature of space MOU between Canada and Japan

MOU signed by The Honourable Ed Fast in Tokyo

OTTAWA, March 25, 2012 /CNW/ - The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) and its member companies are pleased with the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

"Several Canadian Space companies have strong scientific and business relations with Japan. This MOU will strengthen our ties with the Japanese space community in ways which will benefit both nations scientifically and economically" said Jim Quick, President and CEO of AIAC.

"Canada's Space technological capabilities and knowhow are crucial to meeting several of our national strategic needs and priorities.  Investments in our Space capabilities are investments in our national security and quality of life," said Quick. "Cooperation with other space nations such as Japan will help enhance those capabilities and will likely result in an increased trade between the two nations. We congratulate the CSA and it's President Dr. Steve MacLean for this significant accomplishment," he concluded.

AIAC thanks Minister Ed Fast and the Government of Canada for their support for the Canadian Space industry and its competitiveness.

The AIAC is the national association representing Canada's aerospace and space manufacturing and services sector. Pushing the boundaries of research and innovation, Canada's space sector is knowledge-intensive and at the forefront of this highly technical global industry. Building on the strengths of more than 8,000 highly skilled workers, nearly one quarter of whom are engineers and scientists, the sector generates more than 3.4 billion annually.

Maryse Harvey
Vice-President Public Affairs
613 760-4562
[email protected]