Industry Minister Bernier Promotes Canadian Interests at the World's Largest Aerospace EventFARNBOROUGH, England, July 17, 2006 — The Honourable Maxime Bernier today issued the following statement from the Farnborough International Airshow, in Great Britain:
"I am proud to be here at the Farnborough International Airshow, accompanying more than one hundred of Canada's most innovative aerospace and defence companies. This is the single most important event for the global industry this year, and a major Canadian presence will help ensure that we maintain our position as a key investment location, and a major player in this sector.
The Canadian aerospace industry is the world's fourth largest. This is testament to the competitiveness of our firms, and the quality of the technologies and products that are developed in our country. From the rigorous research and development activities that create the latest technologies, to the important outward-looking strategies that bring Canadian-made products to markets around the world, the talent and skills of Canadians from across the country have created an industry that has real impact on the global stage.
The aerospace and defence industries are major contributors to the Canadian economy, employing more than 75,000 highly-skilled Canadians in more than 400 firms from British Columbia to Newfoundland and Labrador. We are home to numerous small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that occupy crucial parts of global supply chains, as well as leading multinational companies with global influence.
I am here at Farnborough to meet with key potential investors, to tell them about our country's many advantages, and to promote Canada as the location of choice for aerospace and defence investment. Canada has a well-deserved reputation as a centre of excellence in this strategic global industry, and this is reflected in the strength and breadth of the delegation here at this important event.
Our new Government will play a central role in promoting our aerospace industry, and my presence here is evidence of our continued commitment to its competitiveness."
For more information please contact:
Isabelle Fontaine
Office of the Honourable Maxime Bernier
Minister of Industry
(613) 995-9001
Media Relations
Industry Canada
(613) 943-2502
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