AIAC Welcomes New Investment in Canada’s Space Program

Good News for Existing and Future Canadian Aerospace Leaders

OTTAWA, February 28 – The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) today welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement that Canada would be partnering with NASA and contributing $2.05 billion program over 24 years on the Lunar Gateway project. The announcement included funding of $150 million over five years for a new Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program to help small and medium-sized businesses develop new technologies to be used and tested in lunar orbit and on the Moon’s surface. In addition, the Prime Minister also announced the launch of a junior astronaut recruitment campaign this fall.

“This is an important announcement. It’s good news for Canada’s aerospace industry, for Canada, and indeed for the world,” said Jim Quick, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada.

“We are pleased the Government of Canada has acted on the industry’s and AIAC’s urgings to continue investing in Canada’s space program in a manner which both strengthens the global leadership of the Canadian aerospace industries, and helps propel the next generation of innovative Canadian companies to grow and achieve their potential. This announcement achieves that important balance,” Quick added.

Today’s announcement is a first step in the development of a long-term vision for our industries.  Five months ago, AIAC launched Vision 2025: Beyond our Imagination, an industry-led initiative to start a new dialogue between industry, government, the public, and other stakeholders to chart a course for Canada’s future in the international aerospace sector.

Led by former Deputy Prime Minister and Quebec Premier Jean Charest, AIAC has travelled the country and will soon be releasing recommendations for a long-term plan for Canada’s aerospace industry.

“Today’s announcement provides an important platform to help grow Canada’s space industry, and support Canadian jobs. Vision 2025 will help ensure important investments, like the one made today, maximize the long-term opportunities for growth right across the space, defence and civil aviation sectors,” Quick said.

Additional Links:

Government of Canada – News Release
Government of Canada – Backgrounder

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 $25B to the economy in GDP, exports 75% of its output, and dedicates over 20% of its activity to research and development (R&D). Aerospace is responsible for the employment of 190,000 Canadians.

Media contact:

Kristen VanderHoek
Senior Director, Communications and Marketing
kvanderhoek@aiac.ca
613-232-4297 x225