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Minister Paradis Welcomes the Aerospace Review Report
[November 29, 2012]

Minister Paradis Welcomes the Aerospace Review Report


OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Nov 29, 2012 (Marketwire via COMTEX) -- Today, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, welcomed the report on the Review of Aerospace and Space Programs and Policies. On February 27, 2012, the Harper Government launched an arm's-length comprehensive review, led by the Honourable David L. Emerson with the support of council members Ms. Sandra Pupatello, Mr. Jim Quick and Dr. Jacques Roy.



"I would like to thank Mr. Emerson and the members of the Aerospace Review Advisory Council and the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada for their committed efforts," said Minister Paradis. "Our government is taking steps to ensure that Canada remains at the forefront of the global aerospace industry, and I look forward to thoroughly examining the Review's recommendations." Canada's highly competitive aerospace and space industries are major contributors to our economy. The Canadian aerospace industry is ranked fifth in the world in overall aerospace production, third in civil aircraft production and is well integrated in global value chains. Canada has a number of aerospace clusters, including Montreal, Toronto and Winnipeg. In fact, Montreal is the third-largest aerospace hub in the world. Canada's space sector is a sophisticated research and innovation leader, successfully turning investment in knowledge into a global advantage in several niche areas, including robotics and satellite communications.

"Our government's top priorities remain jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. Canada is a world leader in both the aerospace and space sectors, and we are committed to helping the sector grow and add to the nearly 160,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs the industry supports," added the Minister.


For more information on the Review of Aerospace and Space Programs and Policies, please visit the Aerospace Review website (www.aerospacereview.ca).

Backgrounder Harper Government Support of Canadian Aerospace and Space Industries The Harper Government has been a strong supporter of Canada's aerospace and space industries, taking measures to ensure that our country remains competitive. Canada has a number of aerospace hubs that are home to renowned original equipment manufacturers and primary suppliers as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) doing highly advanced, skilled work. Canada also has a proud legacy in space by successfully turning investment in knowledge into a global advantage in several niche areas, including robotics, earth observation and satellite communications.

-- Since 2006, the Harper Government has provided $8 billion in new funding for science, technology and the growth of innovative firms.

-- Through the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative, the Harper Government is supporting Canadian aerospace companies in their quest to be more innovative and competitive by providing repayable contributions that help firms develop advanced technologies, attract and retain a highly skilled workforce, and collaborate with universities and colleges. To date, the government has committed $827 million to fund 26 advanced research and development (R&D) projects.

-- The Harper Government supported R&D and invested in Canadian innovation through a $350-million repayable contribution to Bombardier's cutting- edge CSeries program.

-- With an annual budget of $58 million, the National Research Council Canada's (NRC) five aerospace laboratories work with researchers in industry and universities to help develop new technologies. In addition, the NRC's Industrial Research Assistance Program is specifically focused on helping SMEs build innovation capacity by offering technical and managerial advice, funding, and networking opportunities, and provides about $24 million annually to support aero-related projects.

-- The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) provides grants and supports research chair positions that are widely used by aerospace and space companies. NSERC projects help ensure that students have opportunities to work on advanced aerospace projects and give them early access to potential employers. In 2011-12, NSERC provided some $20 million in support of aerospace research.

-- The Harper Government is leveraging defence and security procurements and positioning Canadian industry to take advantage of current and emerging value chains. The Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB) policy requires prime contractors who have been awarded these contracts to place economic benefits into Canada equal to 100 percent of the contract value. Currently, there are over 60 major procurements subject to the policy, with over $22 billion in IRB activity under way.

-- Specifically in support of the space sector, Economic Action Plan 2012 confirmed that Canada will continue its participation in the International Space Station mission to 2020, sustaining our leadership in space research.

-- In addition, Budget 2010 provided $497 million for the RADARSAT Constellation Mission, and Budget 2009 provided $110 million for space robotics.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Margaux Stastny Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Christian Paradis Minister of Industry 613-995-9001 Media Relations Industry Canada 613-943-2502 SOURCE: Industry Canada

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