About 250 people met on Friday to celebrate the development of aerospace technology in B.C. and Canada, at an industry showcase held at Cascade Aerospace.
The event brought together leaders of the aerospace and defense industries, including representatives from B.C.-based countries like Avcorp, Conair and Viking Air, as well as Abbotsford's representatives from all levels of government.
Dwayne Lucas, the executive vice president of the Abbotsford-based Cascade Aerospace, welcomed industry representatives and dignitaries to celebrate Canadian aerospace innovation.
James Moore, the federal minister of industry and minister responsible for B.C., explained that Canada and B.C. are excelling in the global aerospace industry.
"As the ministry of industry now from the province of B.C. I want to make sure that Canada's aerospace industry is moving forward."
B.C.-based companies also took the opportunity to announce their current advancements in aerospace technology. B.C.'s aerospace sector generates over $1.2 billion in revenue per year, and employs approximately 5,000 people.
The event was co-hosted by the city of Abbotsford and Cascade Aerospace, an aerospace and defense contractor that employs about 650 people locally.
Simon Gibson, the newly elected MLA for Abbotsford-Mission, said that businesses like Cascade are important to the community of Abbotsford.
"California has Silicon Valley… B.C. has Abbotsford as its centre of aerospace."
The showcase follows the 2013 Aerospace, Defence and Security Expo, which ran at Tradex on Thursday and Friday. At that event, representatives from the federal government announced $65,000 in funding to support the expo going forward.
These events coincide with the Abbotsford International Airshow, which runs from Aug. 9 to 11.