News Releases

Manitoba Government, Aerospace and Business Communities Call on Federal Government to Stand Up for Manitoba Aerospace Industry

Premier Brian Pallister, Deputy Premier Heather Stefanson and Education and Training Minister Ian Wishart were joined today by members of Manitoba’s business community and aerospace industry to call on the federal government to ensure that Manitoba’s aerospace industry emerges strengthened, not weakened, by decisions made at the federal level. 

“As one of the largest aerospace hubs in the country, the continued growth of Manitoba’s critical mass of equipment and expertise is dependent upon investment, innovation and the continuation of fair and open procurement policies,” said Pallister.  “Combined, these factors will allow firms to maintain their local presence and global competitiveness.  A strong and competitive aerospace industry will result in the creation of high-value jobs and the strengthening of Manitoba’s economy.” 

“Members of Manitoba’s aerospace industry are at the forefront in making significant annual investments in capital, research and development and are often the first to implement advanced manufacturing processes and materials,” Stefanson said.  “Significant investments by provincial and federal governments have been made with the goal of positioning Manitoba’s aerospace industry, the largest aerospace presence in Western Canada, to capitalize on global opportunities.” 

“We are calling on the federal government to follow through on the promise it made to invest in training and skills development in the aerospace sector,” said Wishart.  “Urgent consideration of federal investments in training, innovation and job creation should include, but not be limited to, permanent jobs in Manitoba supporting the overhaul and maintenance of aircraft” 

Members of the Manitoba legislative assembly unanimously supported a government motion in opposition to Bill C-10, an act to amend the Air Canada Public Participation Act. 

Industry representatives and the government of Manitoba today expressed further concern with a potential pending decision by the federal government to move ahead with the purchase of an aircraft other than the F-35, outside of an open and transparent tendering process. 

“Manitoba businesses are concerned the federal decision to move ahead with both C-10 and with the potential untendered purchase of the Super Hornet instead of the F-35 will undermine the significant investments made in equipment and human resources by Manitoba aerospace companies,” said Don Leitch, president and CEO, Business Council of Manitoba.  “Cancellation of defence projects in the past have had a significant and damaging impact on the industry, both in terms of lost investment and eliminated jobs.”

Pallister further emphasized his government’s desire for the federal government to demonstrate its ongoing confidence in the Canadian aerospace industry outside Quebec by investing in innovation and training initiatives in Manitoba.