Vanguard Magazine

www.vanguardcanada.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 27 AerosPACe aerospace sectors are creating policies and long-term strategies to maintain and grow their advantage. Emerging markets are ag- gressively pursuing entry into the sector and are increasing their production capacity. This global focus sets the aerospace indus- try apart from many of Canada's other manu- facturing sectors – which is why it's so impor- tant that programs and policies that support aerospace in Canada reflect the realities of innovating and competing in the global aerospace marketplace. As a global aerospace leader, Canada has the opportunity to lever- age its competitive advantages to grow and innovate, but we risk losing our position and falling behind if we are complacent. For an example of the stakes at play, look no further than our space sector. Canada has a 50-year history as a spacefaring nation that has made us a trusted international partner and earned us a reputation as a na- tion of innovators. However, over the past decade, there's been a reduction in govern- ment investment in the national space pro- gram. There is no long-term vision in place to give guidance and clarity to companies and institutions attempting to make long range plans for their Canadian operations. This lack of funding and investment cer- tainty have created a climate where Canada is no longer living up to its full potential. In contrast, other governments around the world are increasing their investments in space. For example, the United Kingdom recently reinvigorated its domestic space program after many years of relative neglect. The result has been remarkable. The U.K. is now home to one of the world's fast- est growing space sectors, with investment flowing into their country from around the world, including from Canada. If urgent action is not taken, Canada's leadership in space will continue to decline and eventu- ally there will be a total loss in Canada's abil- ity to design, build and operate spacecraft. Additionally, core aspects of Canadian space capability including robotics, optics, radar, satellite communications, space science and technology development are also at risk. But it's not just about the space pro- gram. In recent years, policies and pro- grams designed to support industrial growth in Canada – especially those relat- ing to R&D and technology development, the cornerstone of our nation's aerospace leadership – have moved towards general, one-size-fits-all approaches. Rather than creating programs that identify the specific needs and realities of key economic drivers and ensure that those industries have the tools and environment to grow, programs are focused on broad-based initiatives that do not leverage our competitive strengths. All around the world, our competitors are investing in their aerospace sectors in very strategic ways in response to their specific needs. We need to be doing the same. There's an opportunity to set a new vi- sion for Canada's defence sector, too. Defence spending represents a huge op- portunity for the government to leverage its purchasing power to strategically invest in and drive growth in Canadian industrial competitiveness. To get the greatest re- turn on their investment of taxpayer dol- lars, procurement decisions should take into account the government's industrial strategy as a whole and seek out ways to support and reinforce those objectives. We've seen encouraging signs of this in the government's defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged. Now the challenge is to ensure that we continue to work together to make those aspirations a reality. This is why we launched Vision 2025. With a world of opportunity sitting on our doorstep, it's time for a new dialogue and a new vision for the future of aerospace in Canada – one that leverages our economic leadership, world-class workforce, and transformative technologies to create op- portunity and change for all Canadians. In the coming days and months, our industry will be reaching out to political leaders, government officials, universities, colleges and the public across Canada to discuss where we are as an industry, as a country, where we could go, and how we can work together to ensure that Canada continues to lead the way when it comes to the next generation of aerospace achievement. Through collaboration, we can ensure Canadian aerospace remains a world- leading, job-creating industry. And we can ensure Canada remains a place that at- tracts and retains investment in this sector, which is so essential to innovation and the future of our overall economy. We can't wait to get started. Jim Quick is the President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada.

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