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Canada’s World-Class Aviation Firms Succeed Abroad and Provide High-Value Jobs in Canada

The Harper government’s pro-trade plan is helping Canadian companies succeed, notes Minister Fast

July 25, 2012 - The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, and Mark Adler, Member of Parliament for York Centre, today toured Bombardier Aerospace’s facility in Toronto and highlighted the important role the Canadian aerospace sector plays in generating jobs and prosperity in Canada.

“Canada’s aerospace sector contributes $6.8 billion to our gross domestic product, and sector-related activities support over 87,000 Canadian jobs,” said Minister Fast. “Keeping this sector vibrant and competitive is a key element of our pro-trade plan. Our government is committed to delivering results around the world by opening doors, accessing new markets and making the right connections for companies like Bombardier. The success of Canadian aerospace technology abroad translates into high-value jobs and prosperity back home.”

In recent months, Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service has assisted Bombardier in selling Q400 NextGen aircraft in Poland and Ethiopia, and in obtaining certification for the aircraft in Russia and other members of the Commonwealth of Independent States. In June 2012, Minister Fast participated in Russia’s Q400-type certificate presentation ceremony while on a trade mission there.

“The government’s efforts to broaden and deepen Canada’s trading relationships have proven extremely helpful as we work on opening new markets around the world for our products—part of our ongoing initiative to expand Bombardier’s global outreach,” said Michael McAdoo, Vice President, Strategy and International Business Development at Bombardier Aerospace. “The Trade Commissioner Service’s established networks have helped save us time and money as new business opportunities are developed. This was most in evidence recently with the Q400 NextGen aircraft demonstrator tour, which touched down in more than 25 countries.”

Canada’s aerospace sector is the fifth largest in the world. The Government of Canada’s pro-trade plan is aimed at increasing international trade and investment and at fostering growth and innovation in key sectors in today’s competitive global economy.

“Our pro-trade plan translates into real economic gains for hard-working Canadians,” said Mr. Adler. “By opening new markets, attracting foreign investment and helping Canadian companies, we are building a strong economic future for our children.”

Located in more than 150 cities worldwide and in regional offices across Canada, the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, part of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, is Canada’s most extensive network of international business professionals. The Trade Commissioner Service helps companies that are looking to export, invest abroad, attract investment or develop innovation and research and development partnerships.

For more information, please visit The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Rudy Husny
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
613-992-7332

Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
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