News
AIAC supports efforts of Federal budget
March 24, 2011, Ottawa - The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) and its member companies commend the Government for its commitment to reviewing programs and policies having an impact on the competitiveness of the Canadian aerospace industry.
March 24, 2011 By Carey Fredericks
"This is a great day for Canadian Aerospace" said Claude Lajeunesse, President & CEO of AIAC. "Thanks to the Government's vision, we will be in a better position to take advantage of the outstanding forecasted growth of this sector and create value added jobs throughout Canada". AIAC looks forward to working with the Government to make the improvements to these programs and policies.
"The AIAC welcomes the Government's commitment to maintaining stable funding levels for the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI) through the 12 to 18 months consultative review" stated Dr. Lajeunesse. "The SADI funding is central to our industry's ability to continue its R&D activities and to improve its international competitiveness. A hiatus in this funding would be detrimental to our industry's growth," he added.
The Association also applauds the significant increase in support to the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) that will help SMEs accelerate the adoption of new technologies which are crucial to the advancement of their capabilities, allowing them to ascend the value chain. Moreover, the measures aimed at reducing red tape for SMEs will also contribute to their success.
In addition to the continued reduction of corporate taxes, AIAC applauds the Government's commitment to reviewing the defence procurement process and stands ready to support these efforts.
The AIAC is the national association representing Canada's aerospace manufacturing and services sector. As the world's fifth largest aerospace industry, Canada's aerospace sector generated in 2009 over $22 billion and employed nearly 80,000 Canadians. Seventy-eight per cent of Canadian aerospace products were exported. AIAC represents the interests of 400 aerospace companies across Canada.
