AIAC Year-End Statement

Statement by Mike Mueller, President & CEO, AIAC

“As we close out 2022 and look to 2023, there are many exciting opportunities and challenges for the aerospace sector in Canada. 

“The global challenges and technological opportunities of the coming decades will demand the very best of Canadian aerospace.  As a major economic driver of the Canadian economy, I know our industry is up for the challenge.

“As we have said before, to compete effectively, Canada needs focused coordination that capitalizes on our collective strengths and builds up the aerospace innovation ecosystem for the future.

“In order to seize the full potential of what’s to come, industry requires a sector-specific national aerospace strategy guiding the way – thereby ensuring continued Canadian pride and economic prosperity though our nation’s significant aerospace achievements in the civil, defence or space sectors.

“On procurement, Canadian companies and workers will benefit with the government planning on procuring many significant resources for the Royal Canadian Air Force over the coming years.  As we look to the future, we continue to encourage the government to engage the entire industry to ensure these important procurement decisions benefit Canada and all firms, as they put forward solutions that will best meet our national security needs while maximizing economic, industrial and technological benefits for our country. 

“On taxation, the federal imposition of a tax on the manufacture of business aircraft is having a dramatic, negative impact on Canadian manufacturing and discouraging companies from buying Canadian made products.  A recent study has shown over 2000 jobs will be negatively impacted. No other jurisdiction imposes such a tax penalizing their own domestic aerospace industry and our losses will be a gain to our competitor nations. This tax should be repealed in 2023.

“At the end of the day, Canada’s aerospace industry is made up of people.  We have one of the most skilled workforces anywhere in the world. We need to support them to retain and grow our talent base for high-paying, value-added jobs — through skilled labour programs, immigration, partnerships with post-secondary institutions, and greater industry-government collaboration.

“On that note, we are looking forward to all the opportunities that 2023 will bring for our world leading aerospace industry.”