Former Deputy Prime Minister and Quebec Premier Jean Charest joined the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) for a Leaders of Industry Luncheon as part of Aerospace Industries Association of Canada’s (AIAC) Vision 2025 aerospace engagement day in Winnipeg, meeting with industry leaders, government officials and educators to begin charting a course for the future of aerospace in Canada.
“Global competition has never been fiercer, and we’re at a turning point where Canada must step up to compete, or risk being left behind,” said Mr. Charest. “Manitoba employs over 4,400 people in the aerospace industry and we need to ensure that we’re looking forward, and safeguarding good jobs here, and across Canada.”
While Canada’s aerospace sector ranks fifth globally and contributed nearly $25 billion to the national economy and almost 190,000 jobs in 2017 alone, a comprehensive strategy to guide the country’s investment in the sector has not been proposed for decades. Vision 2025 will culminate in a report and recommendations that reflect input gathered from the Charest-led discussions in cities with strong aerospace presence, and will provide recommendations to spur growth in the aerospace sector.
In addition to the MCC Leaders of Industry Luncheon, Mr. Charest and Jim Quick, AIAC’s President and CEO, met with the Honourable Blaine Pedersen, Manitoba’s Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade, and conducted roundtables with regional economic development leaders and local aerospace industry leaders. “The aerospace industry is vital to Manitoba and Canada’s economy. We must support it by having a clear vision and providing the necessary needs. It was incredibly valuable to hear the insights, expertise and opinions on how we can come together and ensure a strong, vital aerospace sector that will propel Canada’s economy now and, in the future,” added Mr. Charest.
Today’s Prairies Engagement Day builds on similar outreach events already held in Toronto and Montréal. Prior to preparing and releasing his Vision 2025 Report this spring, Mr. Charest’s will also hear from additional industry, academic and political leaders in Vancouver and Halifax. Stay tuned to the MCC newsfeed as we will have a full copy of the Vision 2025 report when released.
