The IAM Union, previously known as the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), was present at the 2025 Canadian Aerospace Summit, hosted by the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC). Held under the theme “Challenges & Opportunities,” the event brought together hundreds of Canadian and international aerospace companies, government officials, industry executives, academics, and innovators to explore the future of aerospace and defence in Canada. Over 20 speakers took the stage during the two-day summit, offering valuable insights, strategies, and forward-looking perspectives on the evolving challenges and emerging opportunities shaping the aerospace sector.
The Canadian Aerospace Summit is recognized as one of the country’s most influential industry gatherings, providing a world-class platform for collaboration, strategic dialogue, and innovation.
The Summit opened with remarks from Mike Mueller, President and CEO of AIAC, who reaffirmed the importance of strengthening Canada’s defence industrial base and strategy. He highlighted the Prime Minister’s ongoing commitment to increasing defence spending as a share of GDP, setting a confident and forward-looking tone for the event.
Following the opening, Pierre Pyun took the stage to discuss the evolving landscape of the aerospace industry. He emphasized that while the sector faces many challenges, it also holds immense potential for growth, innovation, and technological leadership.
Further remarks from Philippe Jr Ngassam, Director of National Aircraft Certification, and Uwe Zachau, Chair of the AIAC Board, reinforced the importance of maintaining world-class safety, certification, and sustainability standards, all key to ensuring Canada’s continued leadership on the global stage.
One of the day’s most anticipated speakers was The Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport for the Government of Canada. Minister MacKinnon described aerospace as one of the hallmark industries of the nation, noting that it contributed over $34 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2024 and supports more than 225,000 jobs across the country.
He highlighted the industry’s role not only as an economic driver but also as a hub for STEM-related careers and advanced technological innovation. MacKinnon described the ongoing transformation as the “third revolution of aerospace”,a period defined by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, automation, and drone technologies. These innovations are reshaping the industry, creating both new challenges and exciting opportunities for growth. He also emphasized the importance of strong supply chains and continued collaboration between government, industry, and labour to sustain Canada’s global competitiveness.
Later in the program, Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, CD, Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), addressed the audience with a thought-provoking discussion on modern defence and security. She highlighted the growing threats of cyberattacks, misinformation, and unconventional warfare, stressing that these emerging challenges require new strategies, technologies, and partnerships across the aerospace and defence sectors.
Other speakers and panelists also took part in the Summit, representing a diverse cross-section of the aerospace and defence ecosystem.
For the IAM, participation in the Canadian Aerospace Summit represents an important opportunity to engage with key decision-makers, advocate for the aerospace workforce, and ensure that the voices of skilled workers are heard in shaping the future of the industry.
