Back to news

March 24, 2020 | Local, Aerospace

Aerospace industry calls for essential designation

The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada issued the following letter to the Canadian government, asking to be declared as an essential service during the COVID-19 crisis.

Dear Prime Minister and provincial Premiers,

Canada's aerospace sector plays a critical role in Canada's overall economy and continues to do so even during this current COVID-19 crisis. Employing nearly 215,000 people, including jobs in manufacturing, technical trades, and management, we have built world-class capability and capacity when it comes to high-value, innovative aerospace

products and series.

AIAC members operate in all regions of the country, offering products and services to Canada and indeed the entire world. Home to leading aviation and space companies, Canada is a world leader in producing and servicing all aspects of the global aerospace, defence and space industry.

It is also a sector that can, and will, play a significant role in Canada's economic recovery, if allowed to do so. The unprecedented Coronavirus (COVID-19) health crisis is resulting in difficult decisions, including shutting down parts of our economy that are not deemed essential. However, Canada's aerospace industry ensures the safe transport of products and services necessary in times of crises, and also products and services required for maintaining critical infrastructure such as satellite systems in space and defence infrastructure.

Aerospace businesses must have the option to remain open to support the flow of these goods and services. Therefore, the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) calls on the government, and the provincial premiers, to declare the aerospace industry as an essential service.

As this uncertain global situation continues, AIAC and its members are in contact daily with many of your ministers and their officials. We are in this together and have indicated our full support. We are actively engaging with our members and working closely with officials at the department of Innovation, Science, & Industry and Economic Development and Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade to determine how we can best support the critical need in terms of items and supplies required to combat the virus.

Prime Minister and Premiers, as you take further action to prevent the spread of the virus, please allow aerospace to stand with you and continue our vital contributions to the safety and security of Canadians, and indeed the world.

https://www.skiesmag.com/news/aerospace-industry-calls-for-essential-designation

On the same subject

  • Submit your letter of intent now: Quantum research funding

    January 31, 2023 | Local, C4ISR

    Submit your letter of intent now: Quantum research funding

    The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces (DND/CAF) are preparing for a quantum world and are looking for your knowledge and expertise. The Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program will be funding up to $3 million per successful proposal to create multidisciplinary research micro-networks (micro-nets) through its Innovation Networks element to build expertise in the field of quantum technology. IDEaS will fund micro-nets to develop, integrate and demonstrate quantum technologies that can revolutionize current defence and security capabilities in: Quantum sensing and sensors (including for positioning, navigation and timing); Quantum communications; and Quantum computing, simulations and algorithms Submit your letter of intent (LOI) by 14:00 (EST) Tuesday, March 7, 2023. For more information, visit our Innovation Networks page.

  • Minister Blair to mark completion of new Health Services Centre at Canadian Forces Base North Bay

    October 18, 2023 | Local, Security

    Minister Blair to mark completion of new Health Services Centre at Canadian Forces Base North Bay

    The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, will visit 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base North Bay to officially mark the completion of the base’s new Health Services Centre, which will better support Canadian Armed Forces members at the base.

  • New surveillance aircraft for Canadian special forces to start arriving later this year

    May 16, 2023 | Local, Aerospace

    New surveillance aircraft for Canadian special forces to start arriving later this year

    The Beechcraft King Air planes will be outfitted with sensors and equipment to intercept cellphone and other electronic transmissions.

All news