Innovations in aerospace design and engineering will create the jobs of tomorrow

October 11, 2016 – Montréal, Quebec – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Canadian companies will develop the next generation of aircraft technologies, while creating the well-paying middle-class jobs of the future, as a result of an investment of up to $54 million by the Government of Canada. The funding is being shared by a consortium of 15 companies and academic institutions from across the country. The consortium is led by Bombardier Inc., a Canadian aerospace and transportation company.

The funding, under the Technology Demonstration Program, was announced today by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The Government of Canada's Innovation Agenda aims to make this country a global centre for innovation—one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. This investment exemplifies that vision in action.

The consortium will develop state-of-the-art electric systems and advanced aerodynamic systems that will make aircraft of the future more energy efficient, reliable and quieter. The innovations in aerospace design and engineering that result from this industry-led collaboration will strengthen the skills and knowledge of Canadians working in the aerospace sector. It will also lead to new advanced-manufacturing platforms that position them for the jobs of tomorrow.

The funding will support a critical stage of the research-and-development cycle in an export-driven sector that has an impressive track record of innovations. Canada's aerospace sector is a key contributor to the economy in manufacturing output. It also leads all other Canadian manufacturing industries in the amount of money invested in research and development.