Today the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED), announced that nine industry-led proposals have been shortlisted for consideration as part of the government’s Innovation Superclusters Initiative. One of these proposals, Mobility Systems and Technologies for the 21st Century (MOST21), is led by Montreal-based aerospace firm CAE and includes multiple aerospace partners from across the country.
Jim Quick, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC), issued the following statement in response to today’s announcement:
I am delighted that Canadian aerospace firms are well represented in the shortlisted proposals for the Innovation Superclusters Initiative, and I congratulate all successful bidders. I especially congratulate the proponents of the MOST21 supercluster and recognize CAE, the Consortium for Aerospace Research and Innovation in Canada (CARIC), and the Green Aviation Research and Development Network (GARDN) for their leadership in developing this proposal.
The Innovation Superclusters Initiative has the potential to dramatically strengthen Canada’s innovative capacity, including within the aerospace sector. It will facilitate collaboration between aerospace firms of all sizes, colleges, and universities. It also addresses gaps in our innovation ecosystems that will better allow companies to export, scale up, and generate next-generation jobs and benefits for Canadians. I thank Minister Bains for his vision and leadership on this important initiative. We look forward to continuing to work with him to support innovation in aerospace through the Innovation Superclusters Initiative and other policies in the months ahead.
About AIAC:
AIAC is the national association representing Canada’s aerospace manufacturing and services sector. As the world’s fifth-largest aerospace industry, Canada’s aerospace sector contributes nearly $28B to the economy in GDP, exports 80% of its output, and dedicates over 20% of its activity to research and development (R&D). Aerospace is responsible for the employment of 208,000 Canadians.
Media contacts:
Kristen VanderHoek
Senior Director, Communications & Marketing
Aerospace Industries Association of Canada
(613) 232-4297 x225
kvanderhoek@aiac.ca
