30 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019 www.vanguardcanada.com
AEROSPACE
By Jim QuiCk
AIAC ChArts PAth fOR thE futuRE
Of AEROSPACE with
O
ne year ago, the Aerospace
Industries Association of
Canada (AIAC) launched
Vision 2025, our industry-
led initiative to start a new
dialogue between government, stakehold-
ers, industry and the public, about the fu-
ture of Canada's aerospace sector.
Together with Vision 2025 Chair, For-
mer Premier and Deputy Prime Minister
Jean Charest, we travelled the country
consulting with all aspects of Canada's
aerospace industry. Thousands attended
our engagement days with representa-
tion from unions, colleges, universities,
premiers, provincial and federal ministers
and more. Those engagements are just the
beginning – as is the Vision 2025 process.
Vision 2025 was necessary because
we're at a crucial turning point. Around
the world, nations are seeing the potential
of aerospace to transform their economies
and create new opportunities for their citi-
zens.
They have learned from countries like
Canada that have leveraged aerospace to
attain a position of global leadership. They
want what we have, and they are acting
boldly and strategically to claim it.
This is the new reality. And if we don't
adapt our approach, we will continue to
lose ground.
On the flip side, opportunities have
opened up. There are global companies
that – if they know Canada remains serious
about aerospace – will choose to do busi-
ness here. We can't stand back and lose out.
Everything we saw and heard informed
our report, "Charting a New Course,"
which outlines the priorities and actions
necessary for Canada to be a global aero-
space champion. As we move forward and
continue to engage with industry, govern-
ment and stakeholders, this report will be
our guide.
