In 1966 CASI introduced the C.D. Howe Award in honour of The Right Honourable C.D. Howe. The Award is presented for achievements in the fields of planning and policy making, and overall leadership in Canadian aeronautics and space activities.

The achievement for which the award is given shall be of permanent significance, and its benefits to aeronautics and space activities in Canada shall have been unquestionably established.  To this end, the recipient shall have sustained an outstanding personal performance in these fields for at least ten years and it shall be reasonably certain that the merits of his achievements will be unassailable in the light of history.  The recipient shall have been a Canadian citizen and resident during the time the contribution was made.

Mr. Gilles Labbé

Over the years, through his outstanding personal performance, Gilles Labbé has demonstrated a special ability to develop a vision and provide leadership and readiness to plan and implement this vision and make it a reality. First, he was a major force behind Héroux Inc.’s success between 1985 and 1986; in penetrating the American market, he was securing opportunities for the company and their products for years to come. He was also ensuring permanent benefits to the region’s economic development and the quality of life for the hundreds of hardworking employees. Second, he provided the business leadership that led to the successful creation of Héroux Devtek Inc. In doing so, the company became a global leader and an international reference in the design, development, manufacture, repair and overhaul of landing gear and related products. Mr. Labbé’s outstanding personal performance and consistent contribution over a period of more than thirty years, has had a favorable impact on the landing gear manufacturing industry; making it safer, more effective, as well as more technically and technologically advanced than at any time in its history.  

At the age of 29, Gilles Labbé acquired Héroux Inc. from Bombardier Inc. with a friend and partner. His determination and power of conviction allowed him to obtain the entire loan needed from financial institutions; which at that time represented a substantial amount, $10 million. A born visionary and relentless worker, his single objective was to transform the company and to raise it to unmatched heights. His ascent was meteoric. Nine short months following the acquisition in 1985, the order backlog rose from $15M to $100M. Confident of this success, his vision led him to penetrate the US market to ensure a firm growth opportunity for the company and its products. In 1986, the company was publicly traded and listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. From 1985 to 1989, the sales soared from $12M to more than $50M.

Despite the economic recession of the 90s, Héroux Inc. acquired Devtek Corporation in 2000 resulting in the creation of Héroux Devtek Inc., a Canadian company specializing in the design, development, manufacture and repair and overhaul of landing gear systems and components for the Aerospace market. The Corporation pursued its growth internationally; acquiring Eagle Tool & Machine, an American competitor with a military clout, in 2010; giving Héroux Devtek leverage in the United States. The company then acquired APPH in 2014. The UK based company’s proprietary, niche products along with their solid engineering background, were a perfect fit for HDI’s growth plans; providing instant presence in Europe with new customers and new programs.  

In September of 2013, the company signed a long‐term contract with The Boeing Company to supply complete landing gear systems for the Boeing 777 and 777X programs. The contract was the largest ever awarded of its kind to HDI Landing Gear operations. Consequently, the Corporation has become the third largest landing gear company worldwide, supplying both thecommercial and military sectors of the Aerospace market with new landing gear systems and components, as well as aftermarket products and services. Sales have since risen to attain revenues of approximately $407M in fiscal year 2016.

Entrepreneurship has always lived in Gilles Labbé. From his initial public offering, he emerged as a fierce and determined player in a complex and highly competitive sector. From restructuring to acquisition, he has marked the aerospace products sector with his unique and strategic vision. He tackled full‐scale globalization and created a certain joy for the industry; now he is recognized as a world leader. He has proven that to be successful in business, you have to be ready to reinvent yourself.