Canadian aerospace industry reacts to the federal budget

The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada is pleased with the $110 million increase in funding to the Canadian Space Agency as well as with the means taken to improve the access to credit for all Canadian businesses including SMEs.

However, it wonders why the commitment made by the Prime Minister during the last electoral campaign to increase the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI) funding by $200 million over four years is not included in the announcement. AIAC is also disappointed that the government has chosen not to refer to a much-needed review of the procurement practices in order to enhance the short and longer-term impact of the major military purchases of the next decade.

“The aerospace industry is a provider of sustainable jobs all over the country,” AIAC president Claude Lajeunesse said. “A well-funded SADI as well as sound procurement practices which maximize the benefits to the Canadian economy are crucial to its success.”

The AIAC is the national trade association representing Canada’s aerospace manufacturing and services sector. As the world’s fourth largest aerospace industry, Canada’s aerospace sector generates $23 billion annually and employs more than 82,000 Canadians. Eighty-two per cent of Canadian aerospace products are exported. AIAC represents the interests of 400 aerospace companies across Canada.
www.aiac.ca