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Montreal aerospace sector encourages students to complete their studies |
March 20, 2009 – Aero Montreal, which brings together all the major
decision makers in the region's aerospace sector, including companies,
educational and research institutions, associations, and unions, held
its first Montreal Aerospace Day on March 20, 2009. During this event, Aero Montreal
signed an agreement with Montreal Hooked on School to encourage
students to complete their studies and to pursue academic excellence.
Montreal Aerospace Day, attended by municipal government
officials, the business community and Montreal school representatives,
rose awareness of the importance of Greater Montreal's aerospace sector
among political and Montreal leaders.
In an address to 150 people attending the event, Marc Parent,
Chairman of the Board of Aero Montreal and Chief Operating Officer of
CAE Inc., a major player in Montreal's aerospace industry, highlighted
the sector's dynamic contribution to the region's economy. He
emphasized that, albeit the turmoil caused by the current economic
crisis, industry is continuing to invest strategically in research and
development and to plan for a strong future aerospace labour force.
"Despite the world economic slowdown that is affecting all
industrial sectors, the aerospace sector continues to generate
significant economic activity and spin-offs that benefit all Quebecers.
It provides about 40,000 high quality jobs. Its capabilities to
innovate are remarkable and it enhances Québec's aerospace reputation
worldwide," said Mr. Parent.
Greater Montreal's aerospace sector took advantage of this
awareness day to endorse efforts that encourage youth to pursue and
complete their studies.
Representatives of Aero Montreal signed a collaboration agreement with
Montreal Hooked on School, a regional organization that actively works
with five Island of Montreal school boards to create and implement
initiatives that curb school dropout rates.
"The aerospace sector recognizes that the battle against school
dropout rates is a social responsibility shared by all members of
society," said Suzanne M. Benoît, CEO of Aero Montreal. "By supporting
a local organization dedicated to this cause, the aerospace sector is
demonstrating its determination to continue contributing to the
well-being of the Québec population, especially during these difficult
times."
"It is essential to develop the educational and professional
skills of our young people, to motivate them to continue their studies,
helping them pursue their dreams. This agreement with the aerospace
sector will enable us to better promote the importance of studying
beyond high school," said Caroline Chassé, interim director of Hooked
on School.
"Hooked on School is proud to join forces with Aero Montreal
since we believe that it's through collaboration with the business
community, parents and schools that we can reinforce our youths'
aspirations and pursuit of their schooling," she added.
Aero Montreal's Labour Force and Renewal Working Group will
oversee implementation of this collaborative effort between the
Montreal aerospace sector and Hooked on School. This working group is
composed of representatives from the aerospace industry and
institutional sector, mostly decision makers from human resources,
senior managers of educational institutions and Centre d'adaptation de
la main-d'oeuvre aérospatiale au Québec (CAMAQ). A copy of the
agreement is available at www.aeromontreal.ca .
About Aero Montreal
Aero Montreal, Greater Montreal's aerospace cluster, is a think tank
that brings together all decision makers in the region's aerospace
sector including companies, educational institutions, research centres,
associations and unions.
Aero Montreal's mission is to rally all the players in the sector
around common goals and concerted actions to increase cohesion and
optimize the competitiveness, growth and influence of the Greater
Montreal aerospace cluster so that it remains an even more important
source of wealth creation for Greater Montreal, Quebec and Canada.
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