Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) has provided $533,840 to the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) to coordinate and manage seven inter-related projects that support the western Canadian aerospace industry.
These projects are designed to increase opportunities for western companies to identify new markets, customers and technologies.
The announcement was made on Friday, at Cascade Aerospace in the Abbotsford Airport, by Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.
"Western Canada’s small- and medium-sized enterprises play a vital role in creating high-value jobs and supporting economic growth in our communities,” said Yelich.
"Through our support for the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada, our government is showcasing Western Canada’s expertise in the development of new technologies and applications for these sectors, while also linking western Canadian companies with promising new commercial opportunities."
Jim Quick, president and CEO of AIAC called Western Canadian companies "leaders in their fields" and important contributors to the economy.
“The funding that WD is providing will help western Canadian companies to access new markets, grow their businesses and become more competitive. This agreement is great news for the aerospace industry and for the Canadian economy as a whole," said Quick.
The seven AIAC projects supported by the funding will facilitate stronger western Canadian industry involvement in domestic and international aerospace-related events, and will enhance market access and supply chain development opportunities for small- and medium-sized enterprises across the West.
“This investment demonstrates our government’s commitment to helping our world-class aerospace and defence industry continue to grow in the West and across Canada,” said Ed fast, Abbotsford MP, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway.
“Through this project, we are helping western Canadian companies to compete on an international stage which creates good jobs and greater prosperity for workers and families here at home."