www.vanguardcanada.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019 33
AEROSPACE
• Modernize aerospace and defence pro-
grams to spur investment.
Where We Go From Here
Canada's aerospace industry stands as one
of our nation's proudest achievements,
contributing nearly 215,000 jobs and
$25.5 billion annually to the Canadian
economy. This didn't happen by accident
– and it can be lost if we ignore it.
At AIAC, we've now entered phase 2 of
our Vision 2025 initiative. Our member-
led committees have been restructured
according to the priorities and recom-
mendations outlined above and given
new mandates to reflect their Vision 2025
implementation responsibilities. Through
these committees our members have been
actively involved influencing aerospace de-
cisions for the future.
And we've also been busy engaging all
federal political parties. By the time you
read this, Canadians may have elected a
new federal government. Whatever the
political stripe, it is imperative that those
in power appreciate the new reality facing
the industry and take urgent steps to act.
Our fall Town Halls, moderated by Jean
Charest, provided an ideal opportunity
for interested stakeholders and industry to
hear directly from each party about their
campaign platforms and commitments
with respect to the Vision 2025 priorities.
Make no mistake, a job-creating indus-
try like aerospace crosses partisan lines. We
need all politicians engaged. Our recent
"Bring your MP to Work" days have been
another avenue where aerospace compa-
nies across Canada have been matched
with their local Member of Parliament
and candidates. Through facility tours and
other company events, these continue to
be excellent opportunities to showcase
Canadian aerospace and demonstrate up-
close the impact of these business on the
local communities.
We're just getting started. It was our
privilege to undertake Vision 2025. The
priorities and areas for increased collabora-
tion identified in "Charting a New Course"
represent tangible steps that we've begun
implementing in order to seize the oppor-
tunities that lie ahead for our industry.
We can't do it alone. Vision 2025 is
about new partnerships in an aggressive
pursuit of new jobs, new innovation and
new growth. If government and industry
commit to this new vision, Canada will be
a global champion of the sector. That's
what this next phase of Vision 2025 is all
about, and we are excited for what the fu-
ture holds.
For more information on Vision 2025 or to
read the full report, go to https://aiac.ca/
vision2025/
Jim Quick is the President & CEO of
the Aerospace Industries Association of
Canada.
Nominate companies for the Tech Showcase!
Email:
hpilot@pilothill.ca
NOVEMBER 5 & 6, 2019
bestdefenceconference.com
BOOTH SPACE IS LIMITED
SO REGISTER NOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT
