Minister Fast Highlights Canada’s World-Class Aerospace Sector at Abbotsford Airshow

Harper government’s trade leadership and support for Canada’s world-class aerospace sector is helping Canadian aerospace companies succeed around the world and here at home, says Minister Fast

August 10, 2012 - The Honourable Ed Fast, Member of Parliament for Abbotsford and Canada’s Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today attended the Abbotsford Airshow, where he highlighted the important role the Canadian aerospace sector plays in generating highly skilled jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity in every region of Canada.

“Strategic investments and partnerships by our government have helped the Abbotsford International Airport on its successful path of attracting world-class aerospace companies and new commercial opportunities,” said Minister Fast. “In turn, these investments are creating new jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity in Abbotsford. The Abbotsford Airshow is an excellent opportunity to highlight the strengths of our airport and to showcase why aerospace companies and airlines should take another look at our community.”

This year, the Abbotsford Airshow is celebrating a milestone 50th anniversary. Over the last half-century, it has become Canada’s premier air show, welcoming exhibits, flight demonstrations and aerospace companies from around the world.

Supported by a favourable research and development (R & D) infrastructure, skilled workforce and low-tax, job-creating economy, cutting-edge aerospace companies across Canada are playing an important role in leveraging new opportunities in the high-growth markets of Asia and around the world.

“Canada is proud of the success of its world-class aerospace sector, which contributes $6.8 billion to our country’s economy each year,” said Minister Fast. “With sector-related activities supporting the jobs of over 87,000 Canadians and their families, keeping this sector vibrant and competitive is a key priority for our government. That is why we are committed to delivering results around the globe by opening doors, accessing new markets and helping our aerospace companies expand and succeed abroad, which we know creates jobs and prosperity here at home.”

While at the air show, Minister Fast also highlighted the work of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS), which is helping to open new doors and markets for Canadian companies. For example, in British Columbia the TCS assisted Viking Air in selling its Twin Otter aircraft in Asia and in obtaining type certification for the aircraft in Russia. It also assisted MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) in tapping into the Russian and Israeli markets. Located in more than 150 cities worldwide and in regional offices across Canada, the TCS helps companies that are looking to export, invest abroad, attract investment or develop innovation and R & D 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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