Minister of Industry Applauds Quebec Aerospace Industry's

The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, addressed domestic and international aerospace representatives at Aero Montreal's third biennial Aerospace Innovation Forum. The Minister outlined federal initiatives designed to assist the aerospace industry while emphasizing the need for private sector investment in innovation to ensure its global competitiveness.

"Our government continues to support Canada's aerospace industry by focusing on long-term competitiveness and growth in this job-creating sector," says Minister Paradis. "Through collaborative relationships between customers, suppliers, academia and small and medium-sized enterprises, Canada will maintain its place at the forefront of the global industry."

Canada's aerospace and space sectors are key contributors to the economy, generating annual revenues of over $22 billion. These sectors employ nearly 80,000 Canadians in highly skilled, high-paying jobs in more than 400 firms in all regions of Canada. Quebec revenues totalled approximately $11 billion in 2010, with nearly 40,000 skilled workers employed across the province.

"Aero Montreal's Aerospace Innovation Forum provides a timely opportunity for discussion and highlights the increased need for collaboration and innovation throughout the Canadian aerospace industry," said Minister Paradis. "As Minister responsible for Quebec, I am tremendously proud of the role the province plays in the broader Canadian aerospace sector."

Last month, the Government of Canada invested more than $8 million to support 20 innovative partnerships between colleges and businesses in Quebec through the Natural Science and Engineering Council of Canada's College and Community Innovation program. As part of this investment, College Edouard-Montpetit received $2.3 million over five years to implement new methods of inspecting aerospace components made with composite material.

Montreal is home to Canada's largest aerospace cluster and is renowned for its expertise in aircraft assembly, engine manufacturing, maintenance repair and overhaul, avionics and landing gear. It ranks as the third-largest aerospace cluster in the world after Toulouse and Seattle.

Aero Montreal is a cluster initiative that brings together Quebec's major decision makers from the private sector, academia and unions.