Canadian Aerospace Community gathered in Ottawa to address Industry Challenges
Ottawa, ON – Over 300 aerospace industry leaders, government officials and academics gathered in Ottawa for the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada’s (AIAC) 47th Annual General Meeting and Conference to discuss key challenges faced by the industry today.
“Our industry has grown for four consecutive years and remains undoubtedly one of Canada’s innovation leaders.” said Dr Claude Lajeunesse, President & CEO of AIAC. “However, industry, government and academia must come together to respond to the many challenges that must be overcome if we are to secure its long-term growth”.
Renowned experts at the conference addressed some of the most critical issues that the Canadian Aerospace Industry has to overcome in order to remain a world-class leader. Mr Bob Brown, President & CEO of CAE, Chairman of the Council of Canadian Academies’ Expert Panel on Private Sector Innovation, and one of Canada’s most accomplished aerospace leaders, spoke from a historical perspective. Mr Brown addressed the importance of sound strategic partnerships and the need to build on past successes in order to maintain Canada’s leading position on the global scene. He stressed the necessity for stable government policy in achieving this goal.
Anne Golden, President & CEO of The Conference Board of Canada stated that “In spite of Canada’s advantages, our economy has been underperforming in almost all areas. One exception is the aerospace industry, which faces significant challenges, but within the manufacturing sector, aerospace is a good news story. ”
James Chilton, VP Space Exploration Launches at Boeing Integrated Defense Systems underscored how international collaboration in space exploration will reap societal benefits and lay the foundations for space commerce. William Greenwalt, Assistant Secretary of the US Defence for Industrial Policy stressed the importance that domestic industry plays in its defence and security. Lastly, Mike Trusty, Head of Talent Management at Rolls-Royce North America spoke to how aerospace stakeholders can collectively develop the right number of employees with the necessary skill sets to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
In collaboration with Pratt & Whitney Canada, AIAC held an Award to Outstanding Innovators Event designed to honour researchers from all over the country. “Those awards highlight the extraordinary quality of Canadian innovation and talent of our researchers,” said Dr Lajeunesse. “They exemplify what can be achieved when industry, governments and universities invest together to accelerate Canada’s pace of innovation. The Canadian Aerospace Industry is a Canadian success story; let’s ensure it remains this way,” Dr Lajeunesse concluded.
About AIAC
AIAC is the national trade association representing Canada’s aerospace manufacturing and service sector. 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 products are exported. AIAC represents the interests of over 400 aerospace companies across Canada.