Strengthening Canada's Aerospace Industry - Prime Minister Announces Partnership with CAE

Hello.

I would like to thank the President of CAE, Mr Robert Brown.

I would also like to thank Minister Paradis, Minister Bachand and Senator Housakos for taking the time out of their busy schedules to attend this important announcement today.

And above all, I want to congratulate all the employees of CAE, who are working every day to make Canada's aerospace industry the best in the world.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The world is facing the worst economic crisis we have seen since the Second World War. 

Canada is doing better than most other countries, but we are still hit by the storm.

Extraordinary times such as these call for extraordinary measures. 

Last week, our government passed arguably one of the most important budgets in Canadian history. 

This is part of a multi-year Economic Action Plan designed to guide Canada through the current turmoil, and ensure we emerge stronger than ever. 

Our Plan will do lots of things.

It will position our country to benefit fully from the economic recovery, by making strategic investments, such as enhancing our science and technology research and development capacity in industries like aerospace.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the first powered flight in Canada.

From the Silver Dart to the de Havilland Beaver to the Canadarm, we have always been at the forefront of aerospace innovation.     

In fact, our industry is the fourth largest in the world. 

The industry employees over 80,000 Canadians, and generates $23 billion a year.

It is the largest exporter of leading-edge technology in Canada, making it a substantial contributor to our domestic economy.

But no sector of the Canadian economy is immune from the current global recession. 

And that's why I'm pleased to announce today a major investment in the Canadian aerospace industry.   

The Government of Canada is partnering with CAE, the Canadian-based world leader in flight simulation technology, to build state-of-the-art simulators for the Canadian Forces.   

They will be used to train flight crews for our fleet of Hercules C-130J large aircraft, which:
- carry out search and rescue missions here at home,
- help to supply our brave troops in Afghanistan,
- and provide humanitarian assistance worldwide. 

Not only does today’s announcement ensure that the men and women of the Canadian Forces get the best flight training, 

It will also create well-paying jobs now and for the 20-year lifetime of the contract, not just here in Montreal, but in locations across the country.

And it will strengthen Canada’s reputation as a world leader in aerospace innovation. 

At a time when the world is grappling with the impact of the global recession, we Canadians are looking to the future.

In the weeks to come, our government will be announcing more initiatives under our Economic Action Plan –  all designed to create jobs –  and boost economic activity –  in communities across the country. 

By looking to the future today, and by investing in key sectors like aerospace, our government is seizing opportunities that will help us get through these difficult times and ensure that Canada emerges from this crisis stronger than ever.

Thank you very much.

I now invite the Minister of Public Works and Minister responsible for Montreal, Christian Paradis, to take the floor. 

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