News
Canadian aerospace industry reacts to the federal budget

Jan. 28, 2009, Ottawa  – Yesterday, the Aerospace Industries Association of
Canada announced that it is pleased with the $110 million increase in funding to the Canadian
Space Agency as well as with the means taken to improve the access to credit
for all Canadian businesses including SMEs.

However, the industry wonders why the commitment made by the prime minister during the last electoral campaign to increase the Strategic
Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI) funding by $200 million on four years
is not included in the budget announcement.

AIAC is also disappointed that the
government has chosen not to refer to a much needed review of the procurement
practices in order to enhance the short and longer-term impact of the major military purchases of the next decade.

"The aerospace industry is a provider of sustainable jobs all over the
country. A well-funded SADI as well as sound procurement practices which
maximize the benefits to the Canadian economy are crucial to its success" said
Claude Lajeunesse, president of AIAC.

       
The AIAC is the national trade association representing Canada's
aerospace manufacturing and services sector. As the world's fourth largest
aerospace industry, Canada's aerospace sector generates $23 billion annually
and employs more than 82,000 Canadians. Eighty-two per cent of Canadian
aerospace products are exported. AIAC represents the interests of 400
aerospace companies across Canada.