Panel provides strong blueprint for Canadian aerospace industry

Statement by The Honourable John Manley, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives, in response to today’s release of findings by the federal Review of Aerospace and Space Programs and Policies:

“Canada’s aerospace companies generate $22 billion a year in revenues and employ nearly 80,000 Canadians in high-paying jobs at more than 400 firms across the country. Their collective efforts have made Canada a world leader in the design and production of regional aircraft, flight simulators, aircraft engines and landing gear, environmental control systems, and other advanced technologies.

“As successful as Canada’s aerospace sector has been to date, there is the potential to do considerably better. Driven by rising prosperity in emerging markets and an increasing emphasis on fuel-efficiency, the global demand for new aircraft and related products and services is likely to increase significantly over the next few decades. The space industry, too, faces important opportunities as a result of the growing need for advanced communications and security solutions. Against that backdrop, I strongly welcome today’s release of recommendations by the independent federal aerospace review panel. The panel has provided Canadians with a blueprint by which to ensure that our commercial aviation, military aerospace and space industries are positioned to  take advantage of expanding opportunities.

“On behalf of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives, I want to congratulate The Honourable David Emerson, who led the review, and his three-member advisory committee: Sandra Pupatello, Jim Quick and Jacques Roy.”