Aerospace leaps into the federal campaign

27 September, 2019

Montreal, QC – Four representatives of the major federal political parties outlined their vision for aerospace in Canada at an event organized in Montreal by the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC).

Candidates Alexandre Boulerice of the NDP, Gabriel Ste-Marie of the Bloc Québécois (BQ), Marc Garneau of the Liberal Party of Canada (LPC) and Neil Drabkin of the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) gave an overview of their party’s proposals in front of over 150 industry players.

Commissioned by the AIAC to produce the Horizon 2025 report on the industry, Jean Charest led the discussions. Called upon to highlight their party’s positions for the aerospace sector, candidates were asked to give their party’s positions on the need for a pan-Canadian aerospace policy. The IAMAW has been advocating for this initiative for more than 20 years.

Over the past year, with the documents, “Grounded Potential” and “Thrusting Quebec to new heights, for a renewed commitment to aerospace”, the union reaffirmed its vision to see Canada commit to such a policy. At a time when it is more important than ever to go in this direction, we are no longer the only ones to think or talk about it. Indeed, the AIAC, Aero Montreal, CAMAQ and several other industry players agree with the IAMAW on this issue.

On the political side, each candidate made interesting suggestions that corresponded to the ideals of their parties. However, it was Gabriel Ste-Marie (BQ) and Alexandre Boulerice (NPD) who were the most convincing advocates of the idea of a pan-Canadian aerospace policy, which will create wealth for all and is based on a long-term vision. In short, the proposals put forward by the two candidates were undoubtedly the ones that most corresponded to the vision we propose.

What the candidates said, in brief:

Alexandre Boulerice (NDP)

Introduce a national aerospace policy to enable us to assume our leadership, maintain workers’ skills and end support measures on a case-by-case basis.
Government support must be linked to job guarantees and economic benefits to the country.
Increase support for environmental initiatives such as the SA2GE program and the development of an aircraft recycling industry.
Promote the stability of the sector by making available to SMEs the tools that will enable them to rise to a higher level.

Gabriel Ste-Marie (Bloq Québecois)

To have an industrial policy that respects the interests of aerospace in Quebec, the high added value that the sector represents for the economy and its training and research and development capabilities.
Abandon the idea of meeting the piecemeal needs of the industry.
To put an end to the partisan struggles over the industry that does not recognize the role of Quebec in the aerospace sector.
Avoid repeating the errors such as the AVEOS case, Bill C-10, insufficient and sloppy support to the C-Series.

Marc Garneau (Liberal)

Ensure that the certification process for aircraft and its components remains a strategic advantage for Canada by ensuring its speed, reliability and international recognition.
Revise the Government’s Industrial and Technology Benefits Policy to make it more flexible for businesses.
Support the space sector, including satellite construction, to improve Internet access across the country and effective monitoring of the earth.
Invest in innovation projects to create a carbon-neutral aircraft and develop the drone sector.

Neil Drabkin (Conservative)

Quickly finalize the purchase of the next fighter jets.
Meet business leaders to discuss an aerospace strategy for all of Canada.
To give the Canadian government the role of ambassador for aerospace companies internationally to open up new markets for them.
Use immigration to address labour shortages.